Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has claimed that the Red Devils have the second spot in their sights after producing a fantastic display to beat Tottenham by 3-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday. The influential central midfielder who produced a great display has warned local rivals Manchester City that Louis Van Gaal’s side is now ready for a grandstand finish to a difficult season.

United are currently two points adrift of City and one behind Arsenal in the race for a Champions League berth for next season. Liverpool though are breathing down United’s neck and are just two behind their fierce rivals, whom they host at Anfield coming Sunday.

When asked if United could finish second, Carrick was quoted by the Daily Mirror saying, “Yes, we’ve got to aim for that.”

“We’re within touching distance now. You look at the table now and it’s so tight. But I suppose really we’ve just got to look to next Sunday at Liverpool. There are going to be ups and downs because that’s how it is, especially in the last nine or 10 games. Sunday is a big game for a lot of reasons and that is probably all we can focus on at the moment.”

United though have a tough end to the season as they are yet to play Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea after they take on Liverpool next Sunday. Carrick also mentioned that returning to the Champions League is vital for United and revealed that it is hard to believe that they are not involved this season.

Carrick said, “For this club it’s the place to be isn’t it. We’d been in it for so long and not being involved on the big nights makes you realise what it’s all about Hopefully when that pressure kicks in and it goes up and up, then we’ll perform even better and we’re going to have to in the weeks to come”