Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata has warned his Red Devils teammates to expect a 'difficult month' as the prepare for a series of crucial fixtures.

United take on Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday, before a midweek trip to Russia to face CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.

Louis van Gaal's men must then back up to face Premier League leaders and cross-city rivals Manchester City the following weekend.

Mata, who is currently on international duty with Spain, wrote in his blog that he expects the tough run of fixtures to be 'thrilling'.

"Once I'm back in Manchester we will have to get ready for a few games that are going to be tough and thrilling," Mata wrote in his blog.

"First against Everton, always an intense and complicated match, and next week against CSKA Moscow and Manchester City. "October is meant to be a very difficult month and we must be ready for it."