Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was happy with their performance in their 2-0 defeat to Manchester City.

City were anxious in a goalless first 45 minutes but turned up the heat after the break to take them one point clear at the top of the table.

Bernardo Silva's low drive went inside United keeper David de Gea's near post after 54 minutes and the keeper was at fault again when Leroy Sane's drive went straight through him.

Solskjaer said: "We got a reaction and in the end we were beaten by a better team. But we got a reaction from fans and players and had a go. You can see the work-rate was there, it wasn't good enough.

"There is a difference in quality. That is why they are top and we are where we are. They have set the standard. Living in Manchester we cannot be happy with that. It is up to us to close that gap and overtake them.

"Today you can't say that any of them didn't run. You could see clearly an intent and focus. We just need to keep working on it.

"City want to win it back and by their aggression to win it back there will be fouls. They keep the ball high and are hungry to win it back. They stopped us very well."

He added: "David [De Gea] made some terrific saves as well today. It is every day work for everyone. He has high standards. When we are having a time like this we need to stick together, batten the hatches down and keep working. We have to come back fighting on Sunday."