Manchester United winger Nani has admitted that the team cannot afford to repeat New Year's Eve's 3-2 defeat at home to Blackburn Rovers.

The Red Devils can erase the memories of the shock loss by beating Newcastle United at the Sports Direct Arena this evening (Wednesday).

"If we want to fight for the Premier League title, it's impossible to repeat a defeat like the one against Blackburn," Nani told the Daily Star.

"Things like that could decide the title at the end of the season. It was a negative day, but I think it represents a lesson for us and now we must not fail.

"It left a bitter taste in the dressing room, but now we have to bounce back against Newcastle. It won't be easy but we are the champions and this squad is always out to win."

A win for United would take them back on level points with league leaders Manchester City.