Manchester United boss David Moyes believes that it is too early in the season to write off his team's chances of retaining their Premier League crown.

The Red Devils slumped to their second straight defeat with a 1-0 loss to Newcastle United on Saturday, with Yohan Cabaye scoring the only goal in the game.

Consequently, the result leaves Moyes's men with a potential 15-point deficit to recover from in the event that leaders Arsenal beat Everton today, but the former Toffees boss is adamant that the reigning champions will be "very close" in contesting the title.

Speaking to BT Sport, Moyes said: "I stand firm that we will be very close [to the title race]."

United, who have already sealed their progression to the latter stages of the Champions League, host Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday, before travelling to the West Midlands for a clash with Aston Villa next Sunday.