UNITED City haven’t won the title yet, says Mata
JUAN Mata insists it is too early to think that City already have one hand on the Premier League trophy.
United are eight points behind the Blues going into Sunday’s huge derby at Old Trafford, where they will look to become the first team to beat Pep Guardiola’s men this season.
Phil Neville, Danny Mills and Frank Lampard are just some of the former professionals who have been blown away by City’s displays of late, while Chelsea manager Antonio Conte and Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp have openly admitted it will be a tall order to stop the Blues winning the title.
But try telling that to Mata, who was as stunned as the rest of us when City overturned an eight-point deficit with just six games to go to win their first Premier League title back in 2012.
“Most of them [pundits] have played football and they know how football can change,” he said.
“I don’t think they do [think City have already won it] and if they do I don’t think they really believe it.
“I remember a few seasons ago when United were ahead of City and then they won by goal difference.
“It’s a crazy league and it’s too early to think that it’s finished. From City, they will tell you the same.”
United will be without talisman Paul Pogba for the derby after the midfielder was handed a threematch ban for his stamp on Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin. The 24-year-old has been in imperious form of late, creating three goals in his last two games, but Mata is backing his replacement, whether it is Ander Herrera or Marouane Fellaini, to step up. Juan Mata
“Yeah, big miss,” he admitted. “He’s a fantastic player. Against CSKA he did a fantastic assist. He’s a very complete midfielder, he can do all things.
“He will be a big miss but another player will play and try his best. I think we have a good squad and have good players to replace any other player. Hopefully we can win for him.”
Now in his fifth season at United, Mata knows what the derby is all about. He scored the winner the last time these two sides met at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup last year. But, given the sides’ proximity in the table, this is shaping up to be a crucial clash.
“It’s a very special game, we all know that, especially because of the position we both are in the table,” he said.
“We play against Manchester City at Old Trafford and it’s one of those games that everyone wants to play in. One of those really special games that the Premier League has. Hopefully, first of all, it’s a great game of football and, secondly, we can win.”