Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has claimed that the club's upcoming hectic schedule is "something positive".

United are off the pace in the Premier League table, and their form has been partly blamed on their lack of preparation because of fixtures in the Europa League.

However, with United struggling for consistency, Mata is keen to use their run of eight games in the space of a month to improve their performances as they enter an important phase of the season.

The 28-year-old told the club's official website: "So far in the Premier League, we haven't found that consistency, that winning streak that is so much needed and that we're working so hard to achieve.

"When we seem to be close to a victory, it just slips away. I'm talking mainly about the Premier League games at Old Trafford, which is even more upsetting because playing in front of our fans is an extra, and that's how we feel. We know we must find the target more often to score more goals.

"I'm having a look at the calendar and I see that we have eight games to play before the end of the year. Having so many games in such a short period is something positive because we are eager to play again. Starting with the EFL Cup, again with West Ham, and then visiting Everton next weekend. Two good games would help us to approach the Christmas season with more optimism."

Mata has scored five goals in 18 appearances in all competitions this season.