Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has admitted his side are in a “not ideal” situation ahead of this weekend’s Manchester Derby.

United travel to The Etihad on Saturday afternoon to take on Manchester City, and know defeat will gift the Premier League title to their City rivals.

City are currently sixteen points clear at the top of the Premier League with just seven games to play, and need only three more points to clinch their third title since the turn of the century.

While United will be hoping to spoil, or last delay, City’s celebrations, Mata admits the situation for the Red Devils is less than ideal.

“This week we will keep working on a game that many people are already talking about,” he said.

“Of course, I mean the derby against Manchester City.

“This game doesn’t come in an ideal situation, for there’s quite a gap of points between the two of us, but we all know that it’s a special game.

“We’re looking forward to playing against them and having a good performance. That’s what our fans deserve.”

United are currently second in the table, two points clear of Liverpool.