Juan Mata says insists that he and his new team-mates ‘won’t be intimidated’ when they travel to Stoke on Saturday
United will be looking to keep up their chase of a Champions League place at a ground where a number of the top teams have struggled in the Premier League.
Stoke have developed a notorious reputation for their physical game, but signing Juan Mata, who made his debut in Tuesday’s win over Cardiff, is confident United are up to the challenge.
“They like to play long balls and they are a physical team, but we just need to play our own game with the quality players we have,” Mata told the club’s website.
“We won’t be intimidated. It’s always been difficult to play against Stoke.
“If you try to play quickly you can get chances to score and put yourself in a good position.”
The Red Devils have won their last five meetings with Stoke in all competitions including a Capital One Cup win at the Britannia Stadium earlier this season.
Stoke, managed by United old-boy Mark Hughes, have had some success against the top sides this season, holding Manchester City and beating Chelsea at home.
They also ran United close at Old Trafford, losing 3-2 to goals in the last ten minutes from Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez.
After a dismal first-half campaign, a new wave of optimism has arrived at Old Trafford following the acquisition of Mata and the return of Rooney and Robin van Persie from injury.
Tuesday’s 2-0 home win over Cardiff was solid if unspectacular and Jonny Evans is hoping it can finally fire their stuttering season.
“We need to make sure, especially at home, we keep performing like that,” Evans told PA Sport.
“We can’t keep saying every time we get a win that it is going to kick-start our season.”
United currently sit seventh in the Premier League, six points adrift of the Champions League places and 13 points behind leaders Manchester City.
The Stoke game begins a pivotal month for manager David Moyes and his side, including a trip to Arsenal and the first leg of their Champions League clash with Olympiakos.
Image courtesy of United FanCribb via YouTube, with thanks.
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