Juan Mata has admitted that Manchester United will have to "be careful" when facing Manchester City's strikers in their derby clash at the weekend.

Louis van Gaal's side, who have won their last five league matches in a row, will host the defending Premier League champions next weekend.

In a blog post on his website, the Spaniard said: "The team is improving, this is our fifth consecutive win in the Premiership and we want to keep this streak.

"Winning the derby against City the next Sunday could be very important for the battle in the [top four]. A derby is always special and we must be careful with City's attacking players, because they can win the game in an isolated play."

Mata has scored eight goals in 28 appearances in all competitions for United so far this season.