Manchester United manager David Moyes says he expects an instant reaction from his players after the Sunday afternoon derby humiliation at Manchester City.
Sergio Aguero scored twice as Manuel Pellegrini’s men beat the ‘Red Devils’ 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri were also on the score sheet for the hosts, with Wayne Rooney scoring a late consolation for the visitors.
“If ever there was a group of players I would expect (a reaction from after a defeat) that would be Manchester United players,” he said at his post match press conference. “It is the way they have been brought up.
“They react and that is what they will do. Every manager has bad days and bad results. I am no different.”
United were without Robin van Persie, who sustained a groin strain, aside from Wayne Rooney; the remaining nine outfield players were utterly outclassed by a City squad which has burgeoned massively in the summer.
“I thought Wayne Rooney’s performance was outstanding. He didn’t deserve to be on the losing side today. He was first class,” Moyes added.
“We didn’t play well enough to win the game. Manchester City played well and deserved the victory.
“We never got a grip of the game and we could never really stop them. We hoped to stem that tide in the second-half. We got better as the game went on but it was too late.
Moyes reiterated suggestions that the fixture list was somehow engineered to give United a tough start as the Premier League champions have had to play three of the top five title contenders in the space of five weeks- and have finished those three fixtures without a win.
“The start of the season could be a lot better. We did say it could be difficult start. I wasn’t convinced when the balls came out of the Premier League bag and I’m still not convinced.”
