Gary: Can't Afford to Lose

Gary Neville has warned his Manchester United team-mates that they cannot afford to be cast adrift in the Premier League title race.

The champions made a slow start to the defence of their crown and had to wait four games for their first victory.

United have two tough games on the horizon as they travel to Everton on Saturday before clashing with title rivals Chelsea the following Sunday.

And right-back Neville knows keeping pace with the leaders is vital, given how difficult it can be to make up ground in the highly competitive top flight.

He told the Daily Mirror: "The problem we've had in previous seasons was that we were too far behind and we need to make sure that we don't fall more than a couple of points behind the leaders.

"We need to make sure we're in amongst it."

"It's inevitable that you'll lose games in the Premier League. You're not going to go the whole season unbeaten and it's very rare that happens.

"Losing one, two or three games is acceptable, but no more. I wouldn't expect United to lose eight, nine and 10 games, if we do that we'll have underperformed."

He added: "Liverpool will be strong and I'm sure Arsenal, ourselves and Chelsea will also be there. I'd imagine it will be the same four battling for the title again.

"At this stage of the season it is in our hands. We're playing the other big teams in the next few months and that will give us the chance to get closer to them."