Mata teases Spain teammates ahead of Manchester derby

The Manchester derby is being fought on the Spanish front this week after Juan Mata revealed warning shots are already being fired between him and his City compatriots.

The Premier League returns with a bang after the international window as Manchester United host their Mancunian rivals at Old Trafford on Saturday.

And it’s been sprinkled with extra spice this year as Jose Mourinho is set to do battle with his old nemesis Pep Guardiola – the pair were involved in numerous spats while in charge at Real Madrid and Barcelona.

The exchanges have been kept clean so far, but Red Devils pair Mata and David De Gea haven’t been able to resist aiming a few jokes Nolito and David Silva’s way while on international duty.

(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

But once they cross the white line next weekend, Mata admits only cool heads will prevail.

“All of us are fully aware that this is a very special game, yet we have to understand that these are three points and don’t get too crazy,” wrote Mata on his personal blog.

“Both teams have started the Premier League well and the expectations are high, as everybody can imagine.

“David De Gea and me have been joking with Nolito and [David] Silva in the last few days, although the truth is we are now focused on the games with the national team.

“After that, we will have plenty of time to think about this exciting derby.”