MATA BLOG: WE CAN DO IT

Each Monday, Manchester United forward Juan Mata reflects on his experiences on and off the pitch in his personal blog. This week, he looks back on United's FA Cup quarter-final tie with West Ham and looks ahead to two big games against Liverpool and Manchester City...

Hi everyone,

Playing against Liverpool and Manchester City is always special for us and for our fans. On top of that, we will do it in just four days according to the calendar. There's a very important week ahead: we have the chance to overcome the score of the Europa League first leg and to shorten the gap with one of our rivals in the Premier League.

As from today, we are absolutely focused on having two successful games, although the task is not easy and we are aware of that. We must bring back the spirit of the big games and show that we still have the opportunity to lift trophies. Besides, after Anthony's late goal, we still have the chance to go to Wembley and try to win the FA Cup.

I had to follow the game from the stands because of my suspension; it was strange for me. The game was not easy and the draw takes us to a replay where West Ham will now play at home, which is an advantage for them obviously, but we will go there with the belief that we can win and get to the semi-finals. We've seen teams like Arsenal or Chelsea being knocked out, but our hope to get this trophy, that the club hasn't won in a few years, is still alive. 

Back to the Europa League, we need to have a good start on Thursday, with intensity. It's like a final for us. We need a comeback and I'm sure that the atmosphere in Old Trafford will take us closer to that goal. I'm sure it's possible.

Juan