Fergie baffled by Red Devils’ sudden loss of form

MANCHESTER UNITED boss Alex Ferguson has admitted his team’s sudden loss of form is causing some headscratching at Old Trafford.

Despite having a squad ravaged by injury, United romped through November and the early part of December, winning eight matches on the trot and extending their unbeaten run to double figures. They went into the festive period well placed for a sustained championship challenge and with all their key men ready to return.

However, in just five days, the wheels have come off in spectacular fashion, Ferguson’s side slipping to successive defeats at Blackburn and Middlesbrough to leave them an imposing seven points adrift of title favourites Arsenal ahead of today’s visit by Birmingham.