Manchester United veteran Juan Mata says finishing in the Premier League top-four is harder than ever.
The Red Devils finished in sixth last season and are 12th in the current term after a rough start to the season.
And Mata knows United face a difficult task to put themselves in the Champions League places.
"I think every club is improving and clubs like Leicester are recruiting really well and they have very good players that can take them to a different level," Mata told Sky Sports.
"Not long ago [Leicester] won the Premier League so they know what it takes to win.
"Football is more difficult now because every club is growing a lot so it's more competitive and every club is able to sign good players. So you have to be better every single season to try and reach your aims."
