Mata: Attentions Are Fully On Celta

Juan Mata was keen to look ahead to Thursday’s match against Celta Vigo following Manchester United’s disappointing 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.

The Reds remained in fifth following the result at the Emirates as two second-half goals from the Gunners proved to be the difference between the sides.

Granit Xhaka broke the deadlock in the 54th minute as his effort from range took a huge deflection off Ander Herrera and looped into the net, before Danny Welbeck headed home three minutes later.

Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial had chances well saved by Petr Cech in the first period, and the skipper also went close with a free kick late on.

“In the first half we had two good chances to score before them and we didn’t. And then in the second half we [had to] start going again,” Mata said in his post-match interview with MUTV. “[But] then we conceded that goal, which is a good shot but it’s lucky with the deflection going over David.

“It was the defining moment of the game and then after that the second goal it was even more difficult.”

Next up for United is a Europa League semi-final second leg against Celta Vigo at Old Trafford. The Reds carry a one goal aggregate lead into the match, having beaten the Spanish outfit 1-0 at the Estadio Municipal de Balaídos last week.

“Now we play Celta Vigo and we need to focus on that from this moment,” Mata said. “We need to recover and focus on the second leg because we have the chance to play in a European final.

“We are fighting for a Champions League spot through the Europa League, but as well through the Premier League and we came here with this aim but unfortunately we couldn’t win.

“We have a really important chance to play Champions League through the Europa League but in the Premier League anything can happen. We will try to win our remaining games and maybe we [will finish] in the top four.”

Mata appeared in United’s starting XI in the Premier League for the first time since the 3-1 win over Middlesbrough in March. It was the Spaniard’s 39th appearance in all competitions for the Reds this season and he is delighted to be back.

“I have been out for the last few weeks but I tried to help the team as much as I could,” he added. “We have very important remaining games and I will give my best to try to win them all.”