The champion saw its lead cut at the top of the Premier League to five points after title rival City eased its way to a 4-0 victory against West Brom on Wednesday.
Ryan Giggs has urged Manchester United to recover quickly from its surprise defeat at Wigan Athletic and has highlighted the importance of securing six points from their next two games.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side saw their eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League reduced to five after the 1-0 loss at the DW Stadium on Wednesday, while Manchester City eased their way to a 4-0 victory over West Brom.
United now face two home matches against Aston Villa and Everton in a bid to recapture its form ahead of the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium on April 30, and Giggs insists his side must now deliver in order to keep Roberto Mancini's men at bay.
“We've had poor performances throughout the season, and [poor] results, but we have always bounced back,” said Giggs. “We don’t have to get too down. It has happened quite a bit this season where there has been the odd display where we just haven’t performed.
“The main thing is that we have recovered from it. That is what we have to do again. It’s important that we get six points from these two games. We’re at home and we’ll be looking to win both games and put the pressure on."
Giggs praised Wigan for its display against United on Wednesday evening but admitted the champion struggled for fluidity throughout the contest.
“You have to give credit to Wigan. They put us under a lot of pressure, especially early on. They worked hard. But that’s something we come up against quite a bit, so that’s not an excuse for us not to be able to handle it," said Giggs.
“We didn't perform. Our normal passing game wasn’t as fluent and we kept giving the ball away. We didn't keep the ball like Manchester United usually do.
“We only had one or two shots on goal, which is also disappointing. We will have to look at the game, work on it and get ready for Sunday.”
United had a penalty claim turned down against Wigan when the ball struck Maynor Figueroa's arm following a cross from Phil Jones. While Giggs feels the wrong call was made, the 38-year-old believes his side are still owed a decision after claiming 'a couple' have gone against the champion earlier this season.
“I had a great view of the handball - and it was a blatant handball. I asked the linesman, but he said he didn't see it. Sometimes you get these decisions and sometimes you don’t," he said.
“If they even themselves out, we are probably owed a decision because we have had a couple go against us, with Newcastle and now this one. But you make your own luck.”
