London, Feb 21: Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has accused his players of under-estimating the importance of their clash with Everton.

In their outing against Everton, United were unrecognisable from the side, which usually copes so well with the dual demands of European and Premier League football.

Second half strikes from Everton Dan Gosling and Jack Rodwell condemned Ferguson’s men to their sixth defeat of the campaign, News of the World reports.

They’ve never won the title with so few points at this stage of a season, handing the initiative back to Chelsea and Arsenal.

“We were well beaten, it’s as simple as that. It’s a bad result at this time of the year. We can’t afford results like that. Now we have to hope others drop points, which can happen, because that’s how the league has been going this year. We won’t panic,” said the United boss.

“Maybe we lost something in Milan in midweek, but when you’re going for the championship you don’t expect Manchester United not to respond to the importance of a game. I didn’t see it coming because the players had been bouncing in training this week.

“It was a tired performance. The real effect showed in the second half, so I’m disappointed. We started the game well enough but the game galvanised them and gave them the incentive to go on,” Ferguson said.

"Of course the players are disappointed with the result. They wouldn''t be playing for Manchester United if they didn''t like losing. They''ve always responded well to setbacks before so I expect them to do so again."

Goodison boss Moyes was thrilled as his side continued their recent resurgence, despite major injuries worries before kick-off. (ANI)