Juan Mata states his prediction for Benfica v Man United
Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata is ready for facing a familiar foe in the shape of Benfica
Juan Mata has warned his Manchester United team-mate that they will need to be at their best to get a positive result at Benfica.
The Red Devils will return to Champions League action on Wednesday night looking to extend their winning streak to three games.
Manchester United started the campaign with a 3-0 win against Swiss champions Basel before a 4-1 win at CSKA Moscow in Russia.
Benfica suffered a resounding 5-0 loss to Basel last time out which should give Manchester United confidence of getting a positive result in Portugal.
The Red Devils are looking to reach the latter stages of the competition for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
Mata was part of the Chelsea team that upset the odds to beat Benfica in the latter stages of the Champions League en route to their title success in 2012.
The Spain international got his hands on the Europa League trophy thanks to a 2-1 win against Benfica in the final in Amsterdam 12 months later.
Mata isn’t underestimating the challenge posed by Benfica despite their poor form in the Champions League this season.
“They are a team with very good players and a big supporting crowd,” Mata wrote on his personal blog.
“They need the points and we will have to be at our best in order to get a positive result.
“At the end of the day this is the Champions League and you have to beat great teams if you want to go far.”
Manchester United won the Champions League in 2008 thanks to a penalty shootout victory over Chelsea in Moscow.
