Mata demands a top four finish

Posted Tuesday, February 24, 2015 by Foxsports.com

Juan Mata says it is crucial that Manchester United bring Champions League football back to Old Trafford.

United lost ground in the race for a Champions League places whenthey were beaten 2-1 by Swansea at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, but Mata still remains confidentthe season will end on a high.

Louis van Gaal's side face Sunderland and Newcastle next in the league before an FA Cupquarter-final with Arsenal on March 9 is followed by two massive Premier League games against Spurs at Old Traffordand Liverpool at Anfield.

Spain midfielder Mata told Sky Sports News HQ: "There are still a lot of games to go, we are in a race towin the FA Cup so we will try to win it because it's been a long time sincethe club won it and it's something very important for us."

"Obviously it's crucial for us to get into the top four at the endof the Premier League season."

"Right now we are facing a crucial moment in the Premier League,obviously the last 10 games are very important and we also have theFA Cup tie against Arsenal. It will be difficult but I think we have todo it because it is an important moment and we have to perform.

United's defeat to Swansea was only their second loss in 20 games, but Mata insists they could have taken something from the game had they cashed in on their superior possession after the break.

"It's true that it wasn't a good game for us, although I thinkwe played in their half and in the second period we were close toscoring the second goal," he added.

"But we didn't and obviously when you play for Manchester United everyone is expecting the bestfrom you, to play well and to win but obviously this is not very easy to do. We are trying to doit because the fans deserve something good."