Sir Alex Ferguson insisted there was no need for panic after seeing his Manchester United side humbled at Newcastle United.
The Magpies ensured that arch rivals Manchester City remain three points clear at the top of the table by beating the champions 3-0 on Tyneside as the run of surprise results for the main contenders over the holiday period continued.
However, Ferguson was taking a measured approach when asked about the impact of a potentially costly defeat.
He told Sky Sports: “It’s not a time to panic or anything like that. We have got the experience to cope with that.
“Losing a game at this time of the year, you don’t want it, but it sometimes can happen – you have seen some of the results recently.
“But obviously, we need to get the show on the road in terms of the run-in, particularly in March and April.”
Even with Wayne Rooney back from his exile and Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs also restored to the starting line-up, United were able to make little impression on a Newcastle side looking for just their second win in nine league games.
Striker Demba Ba, in his last game for the club before heading off to the African Nations Cup with Senegal, blasted the home side ahead with a delicious 33rd-minute volley – his 15th goal of the season.
With Ivory Coast midfielder Cheick Tiote, who will also be on duty in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, determined to sign off in style, the home side were good value for their half-time lead, and there was further cause for celebration within two minutes of the restart.
