Juan Mata reckons Manchester United face their toughest test so far this season as they get set to play seven games in 22 days

JUAN MATA has warned Manchester United's players they face the toughest test of their season so far with seven games in 22 days.

That works out as almost one game every three days - and the Spaniard has been enjoying a few days off, after being left out of his country's latest squad.

The 29-year-old has started all three of United's games so far this season, as they romped to 4-0 wins over West Ham and Swansea, before beating Leicester 2-0 at Old Trafford ahead of the international pause.

But Jose Mourinho's side face seven games in 22 days as a gruelling month threatens to test the Red Devils' upgraded squad in their first big early-season test.

Mata said on : "This is a good moment to gather some strength ahead of this month.

"September is going to be very demanding for us with seven games in just 22 days.

"We’ve had a very good start in the Premier League and the challenge now is not only to keep the same level, but to do the same in the rest of the competitions as well: Champions League, Carabao Cup.

"It’s a football marathon and we can prove that we have a squad full of good players who are willing to put their skills at the service of the team.

"The Premier League is back this week and we’re going to focus on our visit to Stoke City, always a difficult game.

"After that we will start thinking about the Champions League nights, which are back at Old Trafford, finally."

United should not be too worried though, as most of their main rivals, including Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool will all have similar problems with fixture congestion.

And Mourinho managed to juggle his squad as they won the Europa League last season with a busy schedule in the spring months.

The Prem leaders face Stoke at the bet365 Stadium on Saturday, before their first Champions League group stage game against Basel on Tuesday night.

Old Trafford then welcomes Everton on the following Sunday, before Burton arrive on the 20th.

Then there are clasehes away to Southampton and CSKA Moscow, before Crystal Palace make the trip north on September 30.

And only then will Mata be able to put his feet up once again... unless he is selected for international duty with Spain.

The former Chelsea and Valencia man also tipped team-mate Andreas Pereira to be a success at the Mestalla, after completing a season-long loan deal on deadline day.

He added: "As you know, there have been many rumours about signings here and there before the end of the transfer market.

"In our case, these days have been relatively quiet, since the squad was closed with Zlatan’s return.

"I’d like to wish the best of luck to Andreas Pereira in Valencia, he’s a great player and I hope he has a good season and the fans can enjoy it."