Manchester United veteran Juan Mata is aiming for a top spot in Europe.
Mata has found it tough to break into the United team on a regular basis this season but remains a constant name for the Europa League matches.
United’s victory over Partizan Belgrade last night confirmed their qualification from the group but Mata wants more.
“It was very important to get the qualification sorted quickly,” he told MUTV after the final whistle.
“We have a long travel against Astana so it was very important that we did what we did. But we still want to be first in the group.
“Phase one to qualify is done, yes, but the second one is to top the group and we have not done that yet.
“So we want to win the two remaining games and we will be first obviously.”
United were rather comfortable in their handsome 3-0 win against their Serbian opponents and Mata hopes to carry this form into their weekend clash against Brighton and Hove Albion.
“Today it was good. Especially in the first half we played good football. We scored three goals and could have scored even more. So it was a good night and hopefully the fans enjoyed it.
“It is easier when you score early and score two or three goals in the first half you play more confidently, you have more spaces and you don’t feel tired when you are winning and you can run and run and pass and move.
“We enjoyed the first half especially, I certainly did. It was a positive night which we will try to replicate a performance like that on Sunday against Brighton.
United are in the top half of the Premier League table and are desperate to get back to winning ways in the league.
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