Juan Mata was keen to look ahead to Thursday’s match against Celta Vigo

Juan Mata was keen to look ahead to Thursday’s match against Celta Vigo following Manchester United’s disappointing 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.

Next up for United is a Europa League semi-final second leg against Celta Vigo at Old Trafford. The Reds carry a one goal aggregate lead into the match, having beaten the Spanish outfit 1-0 at the Estadio Municipal de Balaídos last week.

“Now we play Celta Vigo and we need to focus on that from this moment,” Mata said. “We need to recover and focus on the second leg because we have the chance to play in a European final.

“We are fighting for a Champions League spot through the Europa League, but as well through the Premier League and we came here with this aim but unfortunately we couldn’t win.

“We have a really important chance to play Champions League through the Europa League but in the Premier League anything can happen. We will try to win our remaining games and maybe we [will finish] in the top four.”

Mata appeared in United’s starting XI in the Premier League for the first time since the 3-1 win over Middlesbrough in March. It was the Spaniard’s 39th appearance in all competitions for the Reds this season and he is delighted to be back.

“I have been out for the last few weeks but I tried to help the team as much as I could,” he added. “We have very important remaining games and I will give my best to try to win them all.”