Manchester United can overtake City and finish second: Juan Mata

Manchester: Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata says his team can overtake arch-rivals Manchester City and claim the English Premier League (EPL) runners-up place.

Back-to-back wins against Tottenham and Liverpool in the league have put fourth-placed United two points behind second-placed City.

"We are one point and two points from City and Arsenal and I think we can do it," Mata was quoted as saying by BBC on Friday.

"We can even be second if we win the direct games against them," he said.

United host strugglers Aston Villa on Saturday, before welcoming local rivals City on April 12.

Arsenal visit Old Trafford stadium in the penultimate game of United's season on May 17.