Cape Town - Juan Mata believes Manchester United can kick-start their season with victory over arch-rivals Liverpool this weekend.
United have endured a troubled start to the campaign and already trail the Premier League leaders from Merseyside by 15 points heading into Sunday’s clash at Old Trafford.
The title is nothing but a pipedream these days and making it into the top four to qualify for next season’s Champions League would be seen as a big achievement considering the start they have made.
A dark cloud is hanging over Old Trafford at the moment as the whole club have come in for some heavy criticism from media and fans alike, but Mata believes they have a chance to lift the gloom this weekend.
It will be far from easy as Liverpool have won all eight of their Premier League games so far. Even so, the Spaniard says everyone is fired up to get a result against Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Writing in his blog on the club’s website, Mata said: "On Sunday we have a great chance to change the dynamic and we are all very motivated to take the win.
"We are United, we are playing at home and we will give everything to be able to take the victory that our fans deserve in such a special game."
United are waiting on news of the fitness of goalkeeper David de Gea, who was injured playing for Spain on Tuesday, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits it does not look good.
De Gea could be facing a lay-off after suffering an abductor muscle injury and limping off as Spain qualified for Euro 2020 by drawing 1-1 in Sweden.
On top of that, United will also be missing Paul Pogba, who is still struggling with an ankle injury and the game against Liverpool has come too soon.
- TeamTalk Media