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Juan Mata reckons Manchester United are well placed to mount a title challenge

Manchester United's Spanish midfielder Juan Mata shoots from the penalty spot to score his team's second goal
Image: Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata scored from the penalty spot against West Brom

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata believes the team are well placed to mount a challenge for the title this season.

United are on a four-game unbeaten run and go into the international break in good spirits, unlike the last domestic interruption which came after a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal.

Jesse Lingard scored his first goal for United and Mata added a late penalty in Saturday's 2-0 victory over West Brom.

Despite occasional dissenting voices being heard in the crowd at Old Trafford over the last week, United are fourth in the table and one win away from qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages.

Juan Mata of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team's second goal against West Bromwich Albion at Old Trafford on November 7, 2015
Image: Mata says United are 'still in the position' to win the Premier League

Mata is not getting ahead of himself but admits United will be in a good position to challenge for top spot if their current form continues.

"Let's see about that one, as there are still too many games until the end of the season," Mata told MUTV.

"We have to take it game by game. It was a difficult month for us with some tough games, but I think we are still in the position to do it.

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"Now we have to focus on the national team and then we have a lot of games in late November and December and we have to be at our best level."

Jesse Lingard of Manchester United celebrates scoring their first goal against West Bromwich Albion
Image: Jesse Lingard received praise from United boss Louis van Gaal

Meanwhile, United manager Louis van Gaal had praise for the performance of Lingard and for the composure the 22-year-old produced in scoring with a curling shot.

"Jesse was remarkable because in a training session this week he had two chances like this and he shot at once and I said to him, 'you have to control then you have more feeling for the ball', and he did it today," Van Gaal said.

"It was a fantastic goal."

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