Manuel Pellegrini insists he has not lost “control” of his Manchester City side after a disastrous derby defeat left their hopes of a Premier League top-four place in the balance.
A 15th minute winner from Marcus Rashford saw sixth-placed Manchester United move to within a point of their rivals, and Raheem Sterling and ‘keeper Joe Hart pick up groin and calf injuries that are expected to rule them out for “three to four weeks”.
Boss Pellegrini is in the firing line with City picking up four points from 18 available – and struggling ever since it was announced in February that he would be leaving at the end of the season to be replaced by Pep Guardiola.
“I don’t think I lose any control,” he said. “The attitude of the team reflects they are all involved. It is not the best way to finish the season but I am happy with the attitude. The players are focused.
“We continue in the fourth position. We have another 24 points to play. I don’t think Manchester United played better than our team. It is important to continue with the same spirit.”
Centre-back Martin Demichelis, called up to replace the injured Nicolas Otamendi, had a torrid time and was hauled off in the 53rd minute after contributing to Hart’s injury with a poor back-pass.
“He was nervous,” added Pellegrini. “The mistake he was doing.”
United boss Louis van Gaal denied they targeted Demichelis as his side’s pace constantly unnerved the City backline.
“Rashford is very quick and Demichelis looked like the years are catching up with him,” said the Dutchman. “He was a very good defender, he was my centre-back in Bayern [Munich] but that is the life of football.”
And Van Gaal believes United can shape their own destiny for a top-four spot as he added: “I have said that we must win this game and we have done it. If they won or a draw and the gap was still four points then it is very difficult. Now it is in our hands. We have to win our games.
“We have more home matches than away matches. We don’t lose often at Old Trafford. I have seen the dressing room after the match and it was fantastic, the happiness.”
