Manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes it is vital that Manchester United fight for a second-place Premiership finish. A draw with Blackburn at Old Trafford on Saturday virtually ended United's hopes of catching leaders Chelsea.
But Ferguson said: "It is a critical stage of the season and we can't afford to feel we are in a comfort zone.
"The battle for second place is still on and, unless our form improves, there is a very real danger that we could miss out."
United are currently third in the Premiership on 67 points, behind Arsenal, who have a better goal difference.
Third place means a Champions League qualifier but it also means a 50% cut in income from the English pool - a sum that could take �2m out of United's coffers at a time when profits are falling and US billionaire Malcolm Glazer is hunting a takeover.
Ferguson added that United must not feel "that with the championship looking out of reach and Europe gone there is nothing left worth striving for".
"It is essential we get to grips with our form, both for the Premiership and for the semi-finals of the FA Cup, our remaining chance of a trophy this season," he stated.
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