Fergie's grim warning

Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United could be just two defeats away from surrendering their Premiership crown.

However, the Old Trafford manager's warning was immediately offset by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's declaration that United's talent and mental strength would keep them in the title race.

Ferguson labelled Sunday's 3-1 loss to the Gunners, United's fourth League defeat of the season, 'an absolute disaster'.

He added:'We've lost four games and I think six is the most we can afford to lose.

'I thought the players had already had their warning. I wouldn't say this is our last chance, but we've got a lot of work to do.'

Ferguson's words were echoed by United captain Roy Keane, who said: 'The danger when you have been successful is that players slacken off just a touch and you have teams challenging who are really hungry like Liverpool, Leeds and Arsenal seem to be.

They are that bit hungrier than us.'

However, Wenger said: 'I believe United will be there at the end of the season because of the talent they have and also because of the history of the club in recent years. They know they can do it.

'United will still be right up there at the end of the season.'