JUAN Mata is planning to spoil good friend Oriol Romeu's birthday celebrations this Saturday when Saints welcome Manchester United to St Mary's.

The United star is mates with fellow Spaniard Romeu, who celebrates his 25th birthday on Sunday, and is planning to spoil any party the Saints midfielder may have had planned.

“Back to the Premier League, on Saturday we play against Southampton, always a tough team to visit,” Mata wrote on his official blog.

“They don’t concede goals easily and they have a good balance in the squad.

“It will be a pleasure to face my good friend Oriol Romeu.

“We will try to upset him a little bit by winning the game just the day before his birthday!”

Jose Mourinho's side are currently second in the Premier League after winning four and drawing the other of their opening five matches in the top flight.