Micah Richards identifies the ‘big difference’ that separated Manchester United and City in the derby

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Manchester United were defeated by Manchester City in the Premier League.

A Marcus Rashford stunner was cancelled out by a Phil Foden double and a later Erling Haaland strike to give Pep Guardiola’s side all three points on Derby Day.

It wasn’t the worst performance in the world from Erik ten Hag‘s side. They actually set up well and managed to stay in the game for longer than many anticipated.

At the end of the day – there was a huge gulf in class between the two squads, which was highlighted by Micah Richards.

• READ MORE: Five things we learned as Manchester United are defeated by Manchester City on derby day

Micah Richards on the ‘big difference’ in the Manchester derby

Speaking on Sky Sports after the game, Richards was asked about City’s performance and their overall dominance. He said the following about their side:

“Yeah, I think they believe in their ability,” he begins. “You see the quality players like Roy said, I don’t think [Kevin] De Bruyne was at his very best today or [Erling] Haaland, but they’ve still got Bernardo Silva. They’ve still got Phil Foden. You’ve still got [John] Stones going into pockets when Manchester United are trying to press.

“But I think the big difference for me today was Manchester City’s bench. You see who they could introduce on the pitch and then who Man United could. Yes, you want to see youngsters doing well, but Man City can bring on a World Cup winner as you saw for the goal. And that is just the difference at the moment.”

Manchester United’s substitutions were seriously poor

Ten Hag definitely did not have the finest of players at his disposal on the bench. There wasn’t a single player he could bring on to have a genuine impact on the tie.

This is no fault of his own. Manchester United, like many Premier League clubs, have been hit with a ludicrous amount of injuries this season.

To have to call on the likes of Willy Kambwala and Omari Forson in a huge derby clash is wild. As soon as City went ahead, there was almost no chance of coming back.

Rasmus Hojlund is needed back as soon as possible. The result may have looked a little different if he had played on Sunday.

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