The Red Devils were unsuccessful in producing a comeback on Wednesday which saw their 13-match unbeaten streak come to an end.
Manchester United “have to answer” against Arsenal after their shock defeat to Sheffield United, demands Rio Ferdinand.
Manchester City had settled atop the Premier League table after their 5-0 hammering of West Brom, and Manchester United missed the chance to reclaim their lead.
United looked second-best in the meeting with Sheffield United, a team at the rock-bottom of the table – and it ended that way as they were beaten 2-1 at Old Trafford.
The setback in the title charge leaves Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men a point behind Pep Guardiola’s men at second in the standings, and that deficit could increase to four points if City win their game in hand.
The Red Devils will now have to quickly put their setback behind them as they now prepare for a league meeting with Arsenal on Saturday.
“Man United have to answer the next day, if you’re gonna be a title-chasing team, these are the games where you’re gonna have to bring your A-Game every week,” Ferdinand said on BT Sport, via Football London.
“Bottom of the table, it doesn’t matter, last week, Liverpool – tremendous performance. Bottom of the league Sheffield United; dour, lifeless at times.
“The inconsistency doesn’t win you the league and that’s what we’ve said about Man United for many months, that the inconsistencies from individuals in this team is what is holding them back.
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