Fellaini Pinpoints First-half Problem

Marouane Fellaini admits everyone at Manchester United is disappointed following Saturday’s derby defeat, but insists the Reds must now focus on the busy fixture schedule ahead, starting with the Europa League encounter with Feyenoord on Thursday.

The Belgium international worked hard in midfield for the Reds against Manchester City but could not prevent United falling to a first defeat of the season.

Despite the loss, Fellaini told MUTV it is time the Reds move on and focus on two games in quick succession, with a trip to De Kuip in Rotterdam next on the agenda before a Premier League test at Watford, surprise 4-2 victors at West Ham this weekend.

“Everyone is disappointed today, which is normal after losing a derby, but this is the fourth game of the season and every team will lose games. We have to focus on the next game now and be ready,” he declared.

“The first half was difficult, but we created chances as well and it could have been 2-2 at the end of the half, so I think that is not the problem. The problem was we needed to be more aggressive to win the first and second balls but we didn’t [do that]. However, the attitude was better in the second half.

“We didn’t have the aggression in the first half, but that doesn’t matter now. We have to focus on the next game and we have to win.”

United’s second-half display against City was much improved and the 28-year-old feels the hosts caused Pep Guardiola’s men numerous problems, while emphasising how important it is for the Reds to be prepared for a taxing programme.

“We were always in the box of Manchester City causing trouble," he added. "But we did not hit the target enough so it is always going to be difficult to score. We have 34 more games, so we must win our next game.

“We have to recover quickly because we have a game on Thursday and Sunday. The season will be busy because of those [Europa League] fixtures and we must now be ready for that.”