Erik ten Hag blames penalty for Manchester derby defeat

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has said that the penalty awarded to Manchester City changed the dynamic of the Premier League game.

The Red Devils went into the Manchester derby in good form with three wins. They made a bright start with Scott McTominay coming close to scoring.

However, City broke the deadlock in the 26th minute. They were awarded a penalty after Rasmus Hojlund was spotted holding onto Rodri in the box.

Pep Guardiola's side went into the interval with a 1-0 lead. In the second half, it was all City as they dominated the proceedings with two more goals.

Speaking after the game, Ten Hag said that United were very good in the first half and defended very well until the dubious penalty decision.

He said: "The first half we played very good, we defended very well. We had good breaks, good opportunities but we could have taken more benefit. Then the penalty changes the game."

The defeat was United's first after four matches in all competitions. However, this is likely to pile up the pressure on the manager.

United are currently eight points behind the top four in the Premier League while they are already 11 points adrift of leaders Tottenham.