Manchester United 4 Manchester City 2: Derby victory 'one more step towards Champions League,' says Juan Mata

United saw off their local rivals in style at Old Trafford

Samuel Stevens
Monday 13 April 2015 08:50 BST
Comments
(Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Manchester United goal scorer Juan Mata says the 4-2 derby victory over Manchester City is just 'one more step' towards Champions League qualification.

The Spaniard scored United's third as Louis van Gaal's men exorcised the ghost of their defeat at the Etihad earlier in the campaign.

United are now four points clear of City and nine above Southampton in fifth place as the chances of them securing European football next season continue to get more favourable.

Goals from Ashley Young, Marouane Fellaini and Chris Smalling were enough to see off their struggling neighbours despite two Sergio Aguero strikes.

Juan Mata slots in United's third
Juan Mata slots in United's third (Getty)

Mata said: "In the first 10 or 15 minutes, City were brilliant but after that we showed character and came back. It was a massive result and everyone from United is happy.

"The atmosphere was crazy, it's something we will never forget. We have six games to go and have to keep going.

"It's one more step towards the Champions League, it's a big win and a boost to the confidence. But Arsenal are a great team and City and Liverpool will stay fighting until the end."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in