Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes that the Red Devils could relinquish the Premier League title this season if Manchester City increase their goal difference against Newcastle United this weekend.

The Manchester rivals are currently equal on points, with City edging the lead due to a superior goal difference of eight

"Monday night was a blow to us," said Ferguson. "We have to do what we can now and hopefully win our game on Sunday. By that time we'll know what we'll need to do, after City's game. Hopefully we can recover and win our own game.

"We'll be aware of the game going on before ours - you can't avoid it. We still have to prepare for our game, though. We won't neglect our preparation. But if City were to win by 3-0, say, the goal difference would be 11. It would be impossible for us then, I think."

United will go head to head with Swansea City on Sunday.