On Saturday morning the Latics were at the head of League One but defeats at the hands of Millwall and Vale, coupled with United beating Rotherham and Swansea, have seen them lag behind.
They crashed 3-0 at Valiant Park on Tuesday night, as injuries and suspensions threaten to disrail their push for promotion.
"We were 2-0 down before we really got going, and that's not good enough," blasted Sherida.
"The players have got to show more of a ruthless streak. Port Vale got stuck into us and some of my players didn't fancy it.
"I wasn't happy with myself for getting sent to the stands and we are picking up too many bookings, which could cost us."