Manchester United's Juan Mata has given some insight into how he has gone about preparing for the upcoming clash with Liverpool.

The midfielder was not called up by Spain for World Cup qualifiers against Italy and Albania so used the break to return home to the north-west of the country.

Mata will be hoping his downtime puts him in good stead for the Monday night trip to Anfield to take on United's derby rivals the Reds.

He wrote in his blog: "This time the international break allowed me to spend a few days at home in Asturias; meeting my grandparents, my parents and my sister, uncles and aunts, friends, and charging batteries with Asturias food.

"I love going back home. I was also able to see a game of Real Oviedo against Rayo Vallecano.

"Overall, I have had a few fantastic days, but from now on I'm only thinking about training well this week to be at our best in the next game."