London, Jan 28: Midfielder Juan Mata Wednesday urged his team Manchester United to step up their bid for a top four place, admitting it is hard watching their rivals play in the Champions League this season while Louis van Gaal's side are excluded from Europe's elite competition.
Mata, 26, moved to Old Trafford from Chelsea in a 37.1 million pounds deal a year ago this week but was unable to help his new club finish any higher than seventh after their disappointing season under David Moyes.
IANS