Herrera has highlighted two key games for United

Ander Herrera says he immediately studied the fixture list after Sunday’s Manchester derby defeat and insists two victories from Manchester United’s next two games are a must.

As always, the Reds midfielder spoke eloquently and passionately, after a disappointing day at the Etihad Stadium.

He admitted City’s second goal was a sucker punch for United and says the team must bounce back after the international break with six points in order to continue our quest to get back into the top four.

“I think, until the first goal, they were better. Then, after, we had some good moments, but I think the second goal killed us,” he told MUTV. “There are things we will take from this game and things we need to improve, but there is no time to cry. We're already thinking about Crystal Palace.

“I have already been checking the next few weeks - we have Palace at home and Southampton away, and there are some games between the top six teams. If we want to be in the top four soon, we have to win the next games.

“If we could choose now, we would play in three days for sure, but now there is time to think what we did good and what we did bad, but not too much,” he added. “Football gives you an opportunity soon. It's sad that the opportunity will be in two weeks and not two days, but if we want to be in the top four soon, then Palace and Southampton are two key games.”