David Moyes claimed Manchester United need to ‘aspire’ to reach City’s level in the wake of more derby-day blues last night – risking the wrath of his own supporters.
The Scot’s comments came after another desperately disappointing Old Trafford performance as they were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by cross-city rivals Manchester City last night.
United’s under-fire boss stopped short of saying his side had lost to the champions this season – but admitted United were a couple of levels short of Manuel Pellegrini’s men.
“I think we’ve played a very good side and it’s the sort of standard and level we need to try and aspire to get ourselves to at this moment in time,” Moyes told Sky Sports.
“We need to play better.
“We’re needing to come up a couple of levels at the moment and we’re not quite there.”
City entered the derby as firm favourites and after 45 seconds it was clear to see why as Edin Dzeko tapped home to give City the earliest of leads.
United appeared to grow into the half but after the break the game was finished as Dzeko added his second from a corner.
Yaya Toure wrapped up a convincing and comfortable derby win for City with a third goal in stoppage time.
After their humiliation against fierce rivals Liverpool a couple of weeks ago, this was another bitter pill for Moyes to swallow.
The United boss took the defeat on his chin but admits he thought his players would adapt to the new reign more quickly.
“I take responsibility for the team – I always will do,” said Moyes.
“I thought it would be a tough year for us, no doubt about that.
“I hoped it would be much more competitive and closer to the top of the league than we are at the present time.”
United legend Paul Scholes, making a rare television last night, believes United have to stick with Moyes as manager and back him in the transfer market.
“He’s only nine months into the job – you have to stand by him,” insisted Scholes.
“In the summer he’s going to need backing.
“Was he backed as well as he could have been last summer? I’m not too sure.
“But this summer he has to be backed and I think he knows he needs players.”
Image courtesy of Carl Recine/Action Images, with thanks.
