Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata calls on side to hit good form ahead of 'decisive' Christmas period

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Manchester United need to find their form heading into the 'decisive' Christmas period, according to Juan Mata.  

United, in second place, trail neighbours Manchester City by eight points after 11 games and were beaten 1-0 by champions Chelsea in their last outing before the international break.

Saturday sees the Old Trafford side host Newcastle in the Premier League. 

Juan Mata has called on Manchester United to hit form before the 'decisive' Christmas period

The midfielder has not featured for the Old Trafford side since the Huddersfield defeat

'We return to training with the mindset on the Newcastle match and the importance of the months that lie ahead, as they come loaded with games, especially during the Christmas period,' Mata wrote on his blog.

'These are moments in which good form of the team can be decisive for the second part of the season.'

Mata, who has not featured in the league since last month's 2-1 loss at Huddersfield Town, said United had to guard against complacency against Newcastle.

Mata said he was lucky to have worked with Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez at Chelsea

'Everyone knows they are newly-promoted but they are still a big club with several Spanish players,' he continued. 'Among them Rafa Benitez, a manager with whom I was lucky to work with in the past.'

'We hope to play a good game that allows us to get all three points, and continue showing that strength in Old Trafford.'

United could let Mata leave the club in January as they look to cash in on a player whose contract expires at the end of the campaign.

Real Madrid are reported to be taking a shock interest in the diminutive Spain international.