Man U ace Mata’s wary of ‘big club’ Newcastle
MANCHESTER United midfielder Juan Mata has praised “big club” Newcastle United – as well as his former manager Rafa Benitez.
The second-placed Red Devils host the Magpies at Old Trafford on Saturday, with both clubs aiming to bounce back from respective defeats before the international break.
Although Man United head into the match as favourites, Mata is keen for the Red Devils to avoid complacency.
“We return to training with the mindset on the Newcastle match and the importance of the months that lie ahead, as they come loaded with games, especially during the Christmas period,” Mata wrote in his blog on Man United’s official website.
“These are moments in which good form of the team can be decisive for the second part of the season.
“Returning now to our game against Newcastle on Saturday, everyone knows they are newlypromoted but they are still a big club with several Spanish players.”
Benitez also managed Mata at Chelsea during the 2012/13 campaign, with the pair lifting the UEFA Europa League while at Stamford Bridge.
And Mata says he is looking forward to catching up with his former boss – although he hopes Man United get the better of Newcastle and claim three points on Saturday.