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Manchester United vs Manchester City: Ander Herrera admits derby defeat is ‘painful’ but still has eyes on title win

Spanish midfielder was introduced at half-time but couldn't prevent Red Devils from crashing to home defeat against rivals

Ander Herrera admits the derby defeat is hard to take

ANDER HERRERA admits Manchester United’s derby defeat to Manchester City was ‘painful’.

The Red Devils suffered a 2-1 loss on their own turf following a destructive opening 40 minutes from Pep Guardiola’s men.

 Ander Herrera admits the derby defeat is hard to take
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Ander Herrera admits the derby defeat is hard to takeCredit: Reuters
 Kevin De Bruyne put City ahead with a well-taken finish
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Kevin De Bruyne put City ahead with a well-taken finishCredit: Getty Images

Kevin De Bruyne put City ahead following an error from Daley Blind, with Kelechi Iheanacho then scrambling in an effort to double his side’s lead.

United managed to pull back a goal through Zlatan Ibrahimovic before half-time, but could never really get going in the second 45.

Herrera was introduced at the break in place of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and concedes the result was difficult to swallow in Jose Mourinho’s first-ever derby.

The Spaniard said: “It is disappointing for us. We are now not happy. We have lost a derby in front of our fans and it is painful.

 Kelechi Iheanacho doubled his side's advantage with a tap-in
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Kelechi Iheanacho doubled his side's advantage with a tap-inCredit: Getty Images
 Zlatan Ibrahimovic pulled one back for United but it was not enough to prevent defeat
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic pulled one back for United but it was not enough to prevent defeatCredit: Reuters

“We have to be balanced in our analysis. This is the first game we have not played the best. We have crossed a lot of balls and put them under pressure.

“We have to take some good things. The attitude and spirit in the second half was fantastic. City will lose points as well. We are three points off top and we want to be champions.

“We didn’t start good. Every duel went for them. We have to study why that happened. But we have played well so far. This was not our best game but we created four or five chances to draw the game.”

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