Mata admits Man Utd lack consistency to be Premier League title challengers

Juan Mata admits Manchester United need to add consistency to their game if they are to mount a Premier League title challenge.

The Red Devils picked up three trophies in the 2016-17 campaign, with Jose Mourinho bringing success back to Old Trafford.

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He was, however, unable to push the club into contention for the biggest prize in English football.

Mata appreciates that a club of United’s stature need to be pushing for domestic supremacy, but he is happy with the efforts of both himself and the team during another testing season under new management.

He wrote in his personal blog: “We won the Community Shield right after the pre-season, we lifted the EFL Cup trophy in London, in a very special game for me, and of course the [Europa League] final in Sweden.

“But we are aware of our lack of consistency and effectiveness in the Premier League that prevented us from fighting for the title, which is what Manchester United is supposed to do.

"Personally, I have played over 40 games once again. It’s true that I was injured for a month and a half, something that had never happened before in my career, but at the end I was able to enjoy again what I like the most and I finished the season happy.

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"I want more, of course, but I’m happy and proud of what we have done along the way.

“Next season we will play the Champions League, which is what this club deserves and where we all want to be.”

Mata managed 10 goals over the course of his 42 appearances for United, with double figures reached in each of his three full seasons at Old Trafford.