Manchester City's Pep Guardiola admits Manchester United superiority in derby

The Citizens were humbled by an impressive Manchester United under new manager Michael Carrick, with United even having a late goal chalked off by VAR for a tight offside call on substitute Mason Mount. 

"They were the better team," said Guardiola to the club website after the Manchester derby loss.

"They had something we did not have. I've come many times here. But today we were not the level required to win these types of games."

The defeat was the Spaniard's seventh loss against United in 20 derbies in the Premier League since joining City in 2016.

"We had that energy four days ago against Newcastle but not today. It was not a bad performance. We didn't get the result. It happens. It was a football game and they were better," added Guardiola.

"They have a new manager, and they had the energy in a derby that we didn't have. We've changed a lot of players in the last two transfer windows, and we need to live it."

The result sees City stay second, seven points behind log leaders Arsenal.

Pep's side will now turn its attention to Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash against Bodo/Glimt at the Aspmyra Stadion.