Mata: Tough Tie In Prospect

Juan Mata is expecting a tough battle when Manchester United take on Yeovil Town in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon.

Speaking to MUTV, the Spanish playmaker recalled fond memories of the competition that provided his first trophy on English shores when he triumphed with Chelsea back in 2012. Mata sees no reason why his current team cannot achieve the same outcome this season but he warned that the Reds will have to be on top form to first see off the Glovers at Huish Park.

"I am expecting a physical battle, with Yeovil attempting to make life really difficult for us," said Juan. "It is a big day for them with Manchester United coming to their ground - maybe this match will be the best day in the history of their club. For them it will be like a final so we have to think the same, to be mentally and physically ready and try to get through."

If the Reds can navigate Sunday's tricky tie then van Gaal’s men will edge a step closer to bringing the famous old trophy back to Old Trafford for the first time since 2004. Darren Fletcher is the only player in the squad to have previously won the competition with United, but Mata believes the team has the required quality to end the Reds' cup drought.

"The FA Cup is a very special competition for me as it was the first trophy I won when I came to England,” he added. "When you're playing at an English club, [you realise] how big it is to play at Wembley, so it would be great for me and the club to win it again."