Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has his sights firmly set on finishing in the top-two of the Premier League after closing the gap to just two points on rivals Manchester City . Louis van Gaal 's side produced arguably their best performance of the season to blow top-four rivals Tottenham away in a dominant first-half display . Following Manchester City 's shock defeat by Burnley on Saturday evening , United are within touching distance of Manuel Pellegrini 's side with nine games remaining . Michael Carrick celebrates after giving Manchester United a two-goal lead against Tottenham on Sunday . The midfielder scored against his former club with a header during the first half at Old Trafford . Liverpool ( away ) - March 22 . Aston Villa ( home ) - April 4 . Man City ( home ) - April 12 . Chelsea ( away ) - April 18 . Everton ( away ) - April 26 . West Brom ( home ) - May 2 . Crystal Palace ( away ) - May 9 . Arsenal ( home ) - May 16 . Hull ( away ) - May 24 . Carrick , who was instrumental in Sunday 's win at Old Trafford , says United are now aiming to catch their city rivals . 'We have got to aim for second , ' the midfielder was quoted as saying by the Manchester Evening News . 'We 're within touching distance now . You look at the table now and it is so tight . But I suppose really we 've just got to look to next Sunday . 'It sets us up for another big game at Anfield . Every game is important now . There are going to be ups and downs because that is how it is , especially in the last nine or 10 games . Carrick is joined by his team-mates after netting the second goal during the 3-0 win . Manchester City were beaten 1-0 by Burnley on Saturday - United are now just two points behind them . 'Hopefully when that pressure kicks in , and it goes up and up , then we perform even better and we 're going to have to in the weeks to come . 'For this club the Champions League is the place to be isn ’ t it ? We had been in it for so long and not being involved on the big nights makes you realise what it is all about . '
Manchester United beat Tottenham 3-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday . Win moved Chris Smalling sive to within two points of Manchester City . Michael Carrick says United are now aiming to beat their rivals to second . Louis van Gaal 's : Manchester United can beat City to second place . CLICK HERE for all the latest Manchester United news .