Juan Mata
Juan Mata likely to feature against his former club on 18 April Getty

Manchester United star Juan Mata is relishing his return to Chelsea after admitting he is still "full of adrenaline" after the 4-2 win over Manchester City.

The Spain international was once again on the score sheet as manager Louis van Gaal's side thrashed their city rivals at Old Trafford on 12 April, a result that solidified their place in the top four of the Premier League.

Next for Van Gaal's side is a trip to Chelsea, where Mata was voted the club's player of the season in his first two campaigns in English football.

However, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho brought an end to his time in west London just six months on from his own return to the club, sanctioning a deal that allowed the former Valencia star to join United in a move worth £37.5m ($55m).

While Mata featured in the 1-1 draw between the two sides at Old Trafford in October 2014, he is anticipating an emotional return to Stamford Bridge, a game he describes as "another final" as United aim to close the gap on the league leaders.

"We are already thinking about our next 'final', a visit to the leader of the Premier League," Mata wrote in his blog.

"Needless to say that it is going to be a very special game for me. I already played against Chelsea in the first half of the championship, but going back to Stamford Bridge for the first time will bring me plenty of good memories, for sure."

Mata added a third for his side, his third goal in three games, in United's thrashing of Manuel Pellegrini's City side.

"I am still full of adrenaline after our win in the derby," he continued. "Beating your Manchester rivals and, on top of that, being able to score in front of our own crowd is truly an amazing feeling. It is not easy to explain with words what you feel on the pitch, but the thrill of a comeback in a derby is something I will never forget."