Juan Mata has described Manchester United 's impressive opening 45 minutes against Tottenham as 'arguably our best half of the season ' . The Spanish playmaker , who was included in Louis van Gaal 's starting line-up to face Tottenham after being named on the substitutes ' bench for Manchester United 's last seven games , was part of the side which raced into a 3-0 lead after just 34 minutes . And Mata , writing in his weekly blog , has said he was extremely pleased with his side 's style of play during the opening exchanges of Sunday 's match at Old Trafford . Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata was delighted with his side 's first-half display against Tottenham . The Red Devils raced into a 3-0 lead thanks to goals by Marouane Fellaini , Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney . Liverpool ( away ) - March 22 . Aston Villa ( home ) - April 4 . Man City ( home ) - April 12 . Chelsea ( away ) - April 18 . Everton ( away ) - April 26 . West Brom ( home ) - May 2 . Crystal Palace ( away ) - May 9 . Arsenal ( home ) - May 16 . Hull ( away ) - May 24 . United are currently fourth in the Premier League . 'It was a very important victory in order to finish in the top four , since Tottenham are also in the same race . It was arguably our best first half of the season . 'In those 45 minutes we got three goals and we could have scored some more . The team played with a fast , intense and vertical style , also pressing on Spurs ’ half of the pitch . ' I was very happy for the fans after the disappointment in the FA Cup against Arsenal last Monday . 'The best way to recover was by playing a good game and winning for the fans , and that ’ s what we gave to them - to you - against Tottenham , a very good team that we managed to neutralise . ' The 26-year-old has called on his team-mates to maintain their focus during United 's final nine Premier League games of the season and lavished praise on the Old Trafford crowd . He added : 'We must focus on each of the remaining games , and they are not many , in order to achieve our goal which is to bring the Champions League back to Old Trafford . Mata was delighted with the reception he received from the Old Trafford faithful on Sunday afternoon . 'Some of our rivals are also fighting for the same but I hope this win against Tottenham will give us confidence to perform at our highest level . ' I heard your applause and I want to thank you for that . Ever since my first day as a United player I felt the love from Old Trafford and I want you to know that it helps a lot when you play . 'Your applause when I was substituted and on my way to the dressing room is something I will never forget . '
Juan Mata says his side 's May 9 performance against Spurs was the best 45 minutes of the season . Mata returned to United 's starting line-up for first time in seven games . Manchester United raced into 3-0 lead after just 34 minutes . Mata insists his side must remain focused if they are to claim top four spot . CLICK HERE for all the latest Man United news .