Juan Mata: 'Manchester United can overhaul Manchester City in Premier League'

Manchester United midfielder Juan Mata is confident that his side can overhaul Manchester City in the Premier League and claim second place this season.

The Red Devils have seen off Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool in their past two games to continue what has been an impressive run of form in recent months under Louis van Gaal.

United have another chance to close the gap on rivals City this afternoon when they take on Aston Villa at Old Trafford, while Arsenal are also within their reach.

"We are one point and two points from City and Arsenal and I think we can do it," the Spaniard told BBC Sport. "We can even be second if we win the direct games against them."

Van Gaal's side have lost just two of their last 20 league outings.