'Pogba is a complete player and will be a big miss'

Pogba is banned for the visit of table-topping City after seeing red in the win over Arsenal last weekend for an ugly challenge of defender Hector Bellerin.

Speaking following United's Champions League win over CSKA Moscow, Mata made no attempt to hide the impact that Pogba's absence will have.

"Yeah, big miss. He's a fantastic player," the Spaniard admitted.

"He did a fantastic assist [on Tuesday night]. He's a very complete midfielder, he can do all things. He will be a big miss but another player will play and try his best.

"I think we have a good squad and have good players to replace any other player. Hopefully we can win for him."

Such has been City's start to the season that many pundits are speculating that another win for Pep Guardiola's side on Sunday would leave the title race sewn-up, despite it only being December, something that makes Mata even more determined to get a result.

"We are doing what we have to do," explained the Spain international "We would love to be first in the table right now but I think we are doing lots of good things.

"Now, especially on Sunday and during Christmas time, which we all know how difficult it is to win every single game, we need to keep that pace if we want to be in a position to challenge for the title at the end of the season. Hopefully we can do it."