Juan Mata thinks Manchester United are still very much in the title race after they came through a “difficult” month unbeaten.

United headed into the last international break on the back of a damaging 3-0 defeat to Arsenal, but since then they have gone on a four-match unbeaten league run.

Mata is not getting ahead of himself but admits United will be in a good position to challenge if their current form continues.

“Let’s see about that one, as there are still too many games until the end of the season,” Mata said about United’s title chances.

“It was a difficult month for us with some tough games, but we are still in a position to do it.”

Sherwood had no final say on signings

Tim Sherwood has claimed he did not have the final say over transfers at Aston Villa.

The former Villa boss, sacked last month, insisted the club’s transfer committee discussed targets with owner Randy Lerner giving the green light to signings.

“There was a committee, which I was part of – so I had a say in the players I wanted to bring into the club,” he said.

“We ended up signing 12 players, although there were a lot more players given to the committee than 12.

“I certainly had a say, but ultimately the man who puts his hand in his pocket is the one who has to make that decision.”

Martinez welcomes interest from outside

Roberto Martinez insists he has no concerns about his young Everton stars being targeted by other clubs in January.

Striker Romelu Lukaku is reportedly on the radar of Juventus and Paris SG while defender John Stones is likely to be top of Chelsea’s transfer wish list again.

“We worked really hard to assemble a very strong squad with a real determination to bring in young players with world-class talent,” he said.

“So I have no worries about attracting attention, because that’s what you want. If you sign players and no one thinks they are doing well then you have a big, big problem.”

Steward dispute with Costa resolved

A Stoke steward’s claim that Chelsea striker Diego Costa stam-ped on him was refuted as “utter nonsense” and then resolved.

Moments after the Blues’ 1-0 loss at the Britannia, a member of Stoke’s security staff reported Costa to the match referee after an incident on the touchline.

TV footage showed Chelsea striker Costa going to retrieve the ball for a throw-in and then appearing to make contact with the steward with his foot.

A Chelsea spokesperson simply said: “Utter nonsense”.

It is understood that the issue was then resolved amicably.

No Liverpool offer for Pato – Corinthians

Corinthians have denied reports that Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Alexandre Pato.

Pato’s loan deal with Sao Paulo is due to end next month and he has confirmed he expects to leave Brazil amid reported interest from Barcelona and Tottenham.

Tuttomercatoweb.com reported that the former Milan forward had lined up a move to Anfield in the January window, while Corinthians president Roberto de Andrade had been quoted as saying “Liverpool await” the player.

However, De Andrade told GloboEsporte.com that there have been no negotiations with Liverpool for the 26-year-old.

“Corinthians have received nothing. Nothing concrete has arrived,” he said.

Guardiola future to be settled next month

Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola will meet with club officials and announce a decision on his future during the winter break, chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.

Rummenigge said he was not concerned with the constant speculation over Guardiola, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

“I’m relaxed, as is the coach,” Rummenigge said.

“We’ll discuss it after the first half of the campaign. We’ll then come to a decision and we’ll announce it, whatever the outcome.”

Benitez relaxed on Ronaldo comments

Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez says he is “at ease” over Cristiano Ronaldo’s future and laughed off reports over the forward’s recent exchange with Laurent Blanc.

Ronaldo, 30, is under contract at Madrid until 2018 but has dropped several hints that he could be open to a departure. He declined to rule out a move before his contract expires in an interview with Germany’s Kicker.

Benitez, though, highlighted the fact Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has said the Portugal star is likely to end his career at the Bernabeu.

“Cristiano is scoring for fun and looks happy to me,” Benitez said.

“I read that his agent said he’s happy and that he’ll finish his career here. If he’s as happy and effective as he showed in recent weeks then I’m at ease.”