Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has warned players that they face the toughest test of their season this month as they prepare to play 7 games in just 22 days.

For those who aren’t mathematicians out there, that works out as almost one game every three days. It will certainly provide a huge test of character for Mourinho’s men, and put his squad depth to the test.

Mata has started all three of United’s opening games this season, playing in a right midfield role that has worked very well for him. The 29-year-old has made a great start to the season in the team and Jose will have no reason to drop him from the starting XI anytime soon.

But Mourinho’s side face a tough fixture list in the next month, with what could be described as their first big test of the season. Juan Mata, writing on his blog, warned his team not to become complacent after their brilliant start to proceedings this season – saying the big test starts on Saturday against Stoke City.

Mata said on his blog: “This is a good moment to gather some strength ahead of this month.”

“September is going to be very demanding for us with seven games in just 22 days.”

“We’ve had a very good start in the Premier League and the challenge now is not only to keep the same level, but to do the same in the rest of the competitions as well: Champions League, Carabao Cup.”

“It’s a football marathon and we can prove that we have a squad full of good players who are willing to put their skills at the service of the team.”

“The Premier League is back this week and we’re going to focus on our visit to Stoke City, always a difficult game.”

“After that we will start thinking about the Champions League nights, which are back at Old Trafford, finally.”

United face Stoke City away at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday, arguably their toughest game of the season so far. They then begin their first Champions League group stage game against Basel on Tuesday night, a game in which Jose could choose to rest key players.

Either way, United managed to battle through fixture congestion last season in order to win two trophies – but their league form suffered as a result. Let’s hope the Champion’s League fixtures being early mid-week will suit Mourinho’s men more.