Since the humiliating defeat, United have won all five of their games which have followed in all competitions, and they have not conceded a goal either!
The club’s defensive frailties look to have been addressed, although Fergie points out that injuries to the squad have not helped in the slightest.
"The players have addressed the situation well and the collective response has been good," said Ferguson.
"At this stage of the season what we try to do is get through to the New Year near to the top. Top would be fine, but to be near the top would mean the run-in would present us with an opportunity.
"We have won five games in a row. That is momentum. We have had a few issues which, hopefully, we are gradually getting over.
"We have all worked really hard defending and, when you get the ball, you hope you produce enough football to win the match.
"Injuries always play a part. It does unsettle the balance of the team at times and sometimes we do have to rethink.
"We have Anderson and Tom Cleverley injured. Michael Carrick played his first game for a while on Saturday. Darren Fletcher has been out. We have made some changes to the team from the start of the season, which you don't envisage when you see them all fresh.
"We went through the United States pre-season tour without a single injury and then you get hit with a list of them."