Juan Mata sends warning to Chelsea and Liverpool after Tottenham win

United tightened their grip on the Champions League spots with a convincing 3-0 win over Spurs yesterday at Old Trafford.

Mata made a rare start and helped United to silence their critics.

And the Spanish playmaker has urged the Red Devils to use the victory to inspire them for the rest of the season.

"This happy Sunday gives us strength to start a new week," Mata wrote in his blog One Hour Behind.

"It was a very important victory in order to finish in the top four, since Tottenham is also in the same race. It was arguably our best first half of the season. In those 45 minutes we got three goals and we could have scored some more.

"The team played with a fast, intense and vertical style, also pressing on Spurs' half of the pitch. I was very happy for the fans after the disappointment in the FA Cup against Arsenal last Monday.

"The best way to recover was by playing a good game and winning for the fans, and that's what we gave to them -to you- against Tottenham, a very good team that we managed to neutralize.

"From a personal point of view I have to say that I felt really good on the pitch and I enjoyed again from the beginning with my team-mates, trying to be helpful in all aspects of the game. I heard your applause and I want to thank you for that.

"Ever since my first day as a United player I felt the love from Old Trafford and I want you to know that it helps a lot when you play. Your applause when I was substituted and on my way to the dressing room is something I will never forget. Thank you so much to all of you.

"Now we must focus on each of the remaining games, and they are not many, in order to achieve our goal which is to bring the Champions League back to Old Trafford.

"Some of our rivals are also fighting for the same but I hope this win against Tottenham will give us confidence to perform at our highest level."