MANCHESTER. England -- Phil Jones says memories of Manchester United's title collapse in 2012 means he has not given up hope of chasing down Manchester City this season.

Pep Guardiola's team are 12 points clear at the top of the Premier League table but saw their unbeaten run end with a 4-3 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday. The following day, United beat Stoke 3-0 to close the gap.

City are still odds-on favourites to win the title but Jones insists the race is far from over. He was part of the United squad that won just three of their final six games to blow an eight-point lead in 2012, allowing City to win the league on goal difference.

"Football's football, never say never," he said. "I remember in my first season we were eight points clear, absolutely cruising, no way we'd let the lead slip and we lost it on the final day.

"Football's football. People can say what they want but we'll continue to be positive and push forward. You never know. It happened in 2012 to us so why not?"

United could receive a boost ahead of the second half of the season if they can secure the signing of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal. Jones has played against the Chile international and says the move would be "positive" if it comes off.

"He's a good player," said Jones. "But it doesn't meant to say he's going to come to United. We'll have to see. If someone new comes in the door then obviously it's a positive move for United but it's not up to us, we just do the business on the pitch.

"We just go about what we do best. Keep playing, it's not up to us, it's not down to us. We know just as much as you guys."