Lindelof And Mata Look Ahead To Derby

Juan Mata and Victor Lindelof are both looking forward to this weekend's crucial derby clash against Manchester City at Old Trafford.

Having helped the Reds secure qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League with a 2-1 win over CSKA Moscow on Tuesday night, Mata explained that the Premier League and, in particular, Sunday’s showpiece fixture, is now the squad's main focus.

“We have a few [Premier League] games until the next Champions League match, so our aim is to focus on the league – it’s a crucial period for us,” Mata told MUTV after the game.

Mata scored United’s winner when the two sides met at the Theatre of Dreams during United’s triumphant League Cup campaign last season, and is hopeful of securing another important victory this time around.

The Spaniard added: “The next match is even more special because we are playing first against second, and, if we get the three points, we can get closer in the table.”

Swedish defender Lindelof, meanwhile, is relishing the prospect of playing in his first derby fixture since his move to Old Trafford from Benfica in the summer, and believes it will be a “massive” game.

“I am very excited for the derby, if I get the chance to play,” the 23-year-old said. “Right now, I am just happy for the win and that we have finished first in the group and, tomorrow, we think about the next game. It is going to be a massive game that we are all looking forward to.”

United know that victory will close the gap on leaders City at the top of the Premier League table to five points, so there’s plenty to play for in the first Manchester derby of the season.