Louis van Gaal is confident of pipping Manchester City to second place in the Premier League. Manchester United were in danger of slipping out of the top four after defeats to Southampton and Swansea, but Van Gaal’s team are now five points inside the top four following back-to-back wins over Tottenham and Liverpool.

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If Arsenal fail to beat Brendan Rodgers’ side and United beat Aston Villa today, the Red Devils will move up to second in the table, leap-frogging City, who play Crystal Palace on Monday.

United then have a chance to put pressure on their ‘noisy neighbours’ when they host City in the Manchester derby the following weekend.

When asked whether second was a realistic target for United, manager Van Gaal said: “Of course. I cannot deny that because we have Manchester City at home.

“We have the strongest record at home at home so it’s possible, but Manchester City is a top team so it shall not be easy.”

Finishing above City for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure would be a big coup for the red half of Manchester, and the club would, of course, receive more prize money.

But, most importantly, United would not have to go through a playoff to qualify for the Champions League – although that prize is also afforded to the team that finishes third.

“It’s better to be second or third,” Van Gaal said. “I would be pleased with fourth, but I want to be first. And my players want to be first. And when it’s not first, it’s second.”

Such has been the form of Juan Mata, Marouane Fellaini, Wayne Rooney and Ashley Young, that Robin van Persie’s absence over the last six weeks has hardly had an impact. Van Persie remains sidelined with the ankle injury he suffered in the 2-1 defeat to Swansea.

Van Gaal says Fellaini, who scored three times for Belgium during the international break, is undroppable on current form. Many tipped Fellaini to be one of the first players to leave United when Van Gaal took over, but his manager has been pleased with the Belgian’s efforts since day one.

Van Gaal said: “He can give a lot of balance in the team. When he plays like he is playing now I cannot change him.’’

Aston Villa are without ineligible United loanee Tom Cleverley but skipper Ron Vlaar is set to return from a calf injury for the first time since February, and manager Tim Sherwood believes they can beat United. “I don’t think there’s anything to be scared of. It’s just a game of football which any team can win on any given day.