Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce admits that his side are perilously close to the drop zone after their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Rovers were successful in being the first team to ripple United's net in 14 games after the Red Devils' first-choice keeper Edwin van der Sar was rested for the game.

However, Roque Santa Cruz's equaliser was cancelled out by a wonderful Cristiano Ronaldo free kick.

The defeat to the current Premier League champions was only Allardyce's second loss in eight, but despite this the former Bolton manager is still worried about the club's position.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Allardyce said, "I am anxious about where we are.

"We are in the mire and the only things that will get us out of it are victories and points on the board. Generally, performances help you get that.

"But while we have had consistent performances we have not had a consistent level of points to go with them. That is a big worry.

"The clubs above us are now pulling away. The amount of clubs involved at the bottom is reducing.

"We have to make sure we are not stuck down there.

"We have to keep the faith. We are good enough but we have to be determined and resilient enough as well."