The Spaniard is feeling positive about the Red Devils’ hopes of finishing in the top four and says he “enjoys” playing against Tottenham, who he will line up against on Sunday
Juan Mata has warned his team-mates that a club of Manchester United’s stature must always be playing in the Champions League and is confident of returning to the competition.
The Red Devils missed out on qualifying for Europe last season after a disastrous campaign under David Moyes and are embroiled in a "rat race" to finish in the top four this term, according to the Scot’s successor, Louis van Gaal.
But Mata says there is a belief amongst the United squad that they can return to Europe’s premier club competition.
"Manchester United must always play in the Champions League and we believe we’ll make it," the Spaniard said in a fan Q&A session on Facebook.
The Red Devils are currently fourth in the Premier League, two points ahead of fifth-placed Liverpool, and Mata is keen to secure a boost in the race for Champions League football against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday.
"Hopefully it is going to be a good result for us," added the former Chelsea playmaker. "I enjoy playing against Tottenham because I have had some good experiences against them!
"I'm working in the same way I have always done, with the same attitude and the same passion! That’s all I can do, I'm always optimistic and ready to contribute to the team at any time!"
