Edwin calls for Reds recovery

MANCHESTER United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is confident there will be no problem raising spirits after their FA Cup semi-final defeat to neighbours City at Wembley.

The Red Devils travel to Newcastle tonight in the Barclays Premier League as they bid to move three points closer to regaining the title.

"It won't be difficult to pick ourselves up," said the Dutchman. "We know how important the league is. We are in first position, so we just have to make the best of it."

The City clash betrayed signs of tiredness in a team that was largely based around the one that started the Champions League tie with Chelsea at Old Trafford four days earlier.

That means changes are anticipated in addition to the return of Wayne Rooney from his two-match suspension and the absence of banned Paul Scholes.

United require 13 points from their last six games to regain the title.

Even though Arsene Wenger’s men can force the issue when the top two meet at the Emirates on May 1, the odds are against the North London side claiming top spot.