MANCHESTER - Sir Alex Ferguson has called for a revival of the spirit of 1958 as his Manchester United team prepare to face arch-rivals Arsenal tomorrow in the FA Cup.
He is looking for his players to put the hurt of losing to Manchester City firmly behind them in this fifth round match.
Ferguson claims his side were affected by the sense of occasion at Old Trafford, where the 50th anniversary of the Munich air crash was superbly commemorated.
Speaking for the first time about the derby defeat, he said: "I have a feeling the emotions got to our players. The minute's silence was very emotional - it got to me.
"Certainly it was one one of the worst performances you would have expected from a Manchester United side. But we have to put that behind us.
"Back in 58 it was a test for the club - now we have a test."
Arsenal took advantage of United's misfortune to go five points clear at the top of the table after beating Blackburn on Monday.
Like Ferguson, Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has his eyes on the treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.
Ferguson said: "It has been a quiet training field this week. The derby result had a deep impact on the team - they feel it.
"They are genuine players with a genuine desire to do well. But they know they have an uphill fight to win the league. We must ensure we do not drop many more points."
Both sides are in European action next week - United face Lyon while Arsenal take on AC Milan - and Ferguson intends to shuffle his pack.
He said: "I think both myself and Arsene Wenger will make changes tomorrow as we have massive games ahead.
"I am sure it will still be a match of great commitment, so fasten your seat belts!
"It is an interesting season. Ourselves and Arsenal are talking about three trophies while Chelsea are after four. That is fantastic.
"In the time I have been here Manchester United and Arsenal have been competing for trophies most of the time.
"Both clubs are run in the right way. What you see at both clubs now will still be much the same in five or six years' time.
"I do not imagine there will be fundamental changes given the ages of the players and the competition there is."
Ferguson has additional attacking options to call on as Wayne Rooney is free from suspension while Louis Saha has recovered from a knee injury. Saha could start after a six-match absence while Rooney is eager to return to action.
Ferguson said: "Of course you always miss a player of Wayne's quality. However we have a strong squad again and I am glad Louis is back. He has had a frustrating two or three years but he is a fantastic player. It is great to have him again at this time of the season as he adds something different to the team."
Meanwhile Ferguson is convinced Gary Neville will overcome his injury concerns, which centre around a long-standing ankle problem.
"What Gary needs is a bit of luck," said the United boss. "He's had setback after setback. It is only because of his character he is able to persist in his efforts to get back. He is getting all the help and encouragement we can give him. Gary is not far away but what he cannot afford is another niggling injury, which can happen."
