18-point gap between Man Utd and Man City 'not that big': Ten Hag

The difference in points is now 18 after Manchester United lost to Manchester City 3-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday but manager Erik ten Hag said there was no gulf in class between the two sides.

Marcus Rashford's eighth-minute goal gave United the advantage but two goals from Phil Foden and a late strike from Erling Haaland bagged the win for Pep Guardiola's side, who are a point behind Premier League table-toppers Liverpool.

For the 11th consecutive season, United are set to finish below City but Ten Hag told reporters that the gap isn’t too big.

"No I don't think so, absolutely not. We have many problems now in injuries and still we had an opportunity. By a very small margin. We could have scored the second goal. You see it (the gap) is not that big,” Ten Hag said.

"When we have everyone on board we can be really competitive and also we showed, for instance, in the FA Cup final against them when it can be really close. But don't forget this, City is, at the moment, the best team in the world."

United, who are sixth, next host Everton in the Premier League on Saturday.

“We had one bad, bad performance last week [against Fulham], where we didn't play that well, but from this year on, I think we are really progressing. 

You have to get some points back, and then you have to win a game like today against City. And there are more coming more games. 

There are still many games to play and everyone can beat everyone. So things can quickly turn around. So we have to win our games. Number five could be a position for the Champions League, so, as I say, we have to fight for it.”