However, Chelsea are only six points behind United and have a game against Wigan on Monday night to come. United are also still to visit Stamford Bridge so the Londoners do still have a chance of overhauling United's points tally.
"There are more points to be played for, the title is not handed out yet," United skipper Ferdinand told Sky Sports after the game against Arsenal.
"We have not many times been a goal down at home but we came back. We showed grit and determination and a great team ethic.
"We were fortunate with the penalty but in the second half we looked more like scoring."