Kevin De Bruyne has defended Manchester United's players after Manchester City claimed a 4-1 in the derby on Sunday.

United legends Roy Keane and Gary Neville accused Ralf Rangnick's squad of giving up towards the end of the match.

While De Bruyne can understand the criticism, the Belgian defended United's players as they continue to adjust to the pressing standards demanded by interim manager Rangnick.

"It's difficult to say [whether United gave up], when you play a pressing style it's very hard to adjust to it so maybe it seemed like they did give up a little," De Bruyne, who scored twice in the game, said.

"It's very hard to do it for 90 minutes as a team.

"First half it was a bit more difficult, they pressed us a bit higher than they normally do but in the second half we found the spaces where we needed to be.

"I was watching the last 10 minutes and it felt like they were a little bit out, so the spaces got a bit bigger. I wouldn't necessarily say that they gave up, it's hard to say that."