<text>  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 Gaals side produced arguably their best performance of the season to blow top-four rivals Tottenham away in a dominant first-half display. Following Manchester Citys shock defeat by Burnley on Saturday evening, United are within touching distance of Manuel Pellegrinis 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 Sundays 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. Were within touching distance now. You look at the table now and it is so tight. But I suppose really weve 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 were going to have to in the weeks to come. For this club the Champions League is the place to be isnt 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. 