WE’RE ONLY SECOND BEST

NEMANJA MATIC admits Manchester United have fallen short of expectations this season.

Second-placed United trail neighbours Manchester City by 16 points. Although they remain in the Champions League and FA Cup, Matic (above) acknowledged that inconsistency has stopped them making a sustained assault on the Premier League title.

United host arch rivals Liverpool on Saturday, knowing victory would consolidate second spot. But the midfielder, who hit the winner in United’s 3-2 win at Crystal Palace on Monday, believes they can learn from their shortcomings.

“We have to be honest and say we have had very good games, but also some bad ones,” he said.

“We have to improve together. We have the Champions League and the FA Cup to play for.

“To win the league will be hard, because the gap is very big, but we have to fight to the end and see what we can do.”