Nemanja Vidic has told his Manchester United team-mates to erase their FA Cup agony by taking complete control of the title race with a win at Newcastle tonight.

If Sir Alex Ferguson’s side were feeling sorry for themselves in the aftermath of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against arch rivals Manchester City at Wembley, they were given the perfect pick-me-up 24 hours later as Arsenal squandered a chance to close the gap on the leaders after being held 1-1 by Liverpool.

That left United six points clear with both teams having six games to play.

Ferguson’s men can extend their advantage to nine points with a win on Tyneside, as well as piling further pressure on Arsenal ahead of their derby at Tottenham tomorrow.

Losing to City may have ended United’s treble hopes, but skipper Vidic knows the Premier League leaders have a chance to redeem themselves as they close in on their 19th domestic league title.

“We just have to think about the next game against Newcastle, especially after losing the semi-final to City,” Vidic said.

“It will be a very important game for us. We still have many games to play. We have to play the best we can and win that game.

“At the moment we are thinking more about the loss but there are another two opportunities for some silverware, and we have to make sure we take them.”

Wayne Rooney will be available for United after serving his two-match ban for swearing into a television camera.

Meanwhile, Alan Pardew is confident mid-table Newcastle can end their near 10-year wait for a victory over United by taking advantage of the fatigue caused by United’s hectic schedule.

“We’ve got an opportunity to have a go at United,” Pardew said. “That’s what we’re going to try to do. We want to put them under pressure, and force errors.

“United have had a tough schedule. They’ve come off the back of games with Chelsea and Man. City and as a result we should have more energy, and that could even it up given the quality they have.”

Playing today
Newcastle vs Man. Utd - 20.45

Tomorrow
Chelsea vs Birmingham - 20.45
Tottenham vs Arsenal - 20.45

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