Manchester United attacker Juan Mata has said that his team 'owe their supporters a good performance' in Saturday's derby with Manchester City.

United will enter this weekend's match in second position in the Premier League table - 16 points off runaway leaders City.

Pep Guardiola's side would secure the Premier League title with a win over their bitter rivals at the Etihad Stadium, but Mata has insisted that the Red Devils are motivated ahead of the fascinating clash.

"This week, we will keep working on a game that many people are already talking about. Of course, I mean the derby against City," Mata wrote on his personal blog.

"This game doesn't come in an ideal situation, for there's quite a gap of points between the two of us, but we all know that it's a special game. We're looking forward to playing against them and having a good performance. That's what our fans deserve."

United picked up a point when they travelled to the Etihad Stadium towards the end of last season.