Vidic demands response from United after Cup woe

NEWCASTLE, Apr 18 (AFP): Nemanja Vidic has told his Manchester United team-mates to erase their FA Cup agony by taking complete control of the title race with a win at Newcastle Tuesday. If Sir Alex Ferguson's side were feeling sorry for themselves in the aftermath of Saturday's 1-0 defeat against arch rivals Manchester City at Wembley, they were given the perfect pick-me-up 24 hours later as Arsenal squandered a chance to close the gap on the leaders. The Gunners were moments away from moving within four points of United after Robin van Persie's stoppage time penalty, but Dirk Kuyt netted a spot- kick equaliser for Liverpool in the 12th minute of added time. That left United six points clear with both teams having six games to play and delivered a hammer blow to Arsenal's challenge. Ferguson's men can extend their advantage to nine points with a win on Tyneside, as well as piling further pressure on Arsenal ahead of their north London derby at Tottenham Wednesday. Losing to City may have ended United's treble hopes, but skipper Vidic knows the Premier League leaders have a chance to redeem themselves as they close in on their 19th domestic league title. "We just have to think about the next game against Newcastle, especially after losing the semi-final to City," Vidic said.