Ferguson admits City are 'in the driving seat'

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that Monday evening's derby defeat at Eastlands was a "damaging" result for the Champions and that Manchester City are in the "driving seat" to clinch the Premier League title. Vincent Kompany's first-half header was enough to settle a disappointing encounter as Roberto Mancini's men went top of the table.

United slipped to second in the league table following the bitterly disappointing 1-0 defeat at Eastlands.

Kompany took advantage of a defensive slip from Chris Smalling to head home a corner and hand Man City the advantage in the 2011/2012 title race.

Mancini's side top the table on goal difference and - unless United go on a goalscoring frenzy - will be crowned champions if they win their final two games away at Newcastle and at home to Queens Park Rangers.

United return to action on Sunday against Swansea City, before travelling to Sunderland on the final day of the season. Clubs from the North East could therefore play a pivotol role in the destination of this year's title. 

Following Monday's defeat, Sir Alex said: "It was a damaging result, said Ferguson. "They are in the driving seat and we are up against it.

"They only need to win two more games and they win the league."

Sir Alex added that United's "ridiculous performance" in the closing stages against Everton could well have cost the club the league title. The Reds led 4-2 before conceeding two late goals to hand the visitors a deserved point.

He said of Monday's performance: "We didn't test their goalkeeper enough," he said. "We started quite brightly and for 15 minutes our possession of the ball was good, but the longer the half went on I thought we were looking for half-time."