Erik ten Hag confessed he was "surprised" by the "lack of belief" shown by his Manchester United players in their humbling defeat by Manchester City.
Erling Haaland and Phil Foden scored hat-tricks as City stormed to a 6-3 thumping of their local rivals at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon. It took just eight minutes before Foden capitalised on United's slow start to give the hosts the lead, and they were 4-0 up by half-time, prompting many fans in the away end to leave the ground.
The Red Devils actually outscored their hosts in the second half thanks to Antony's fine strike from range and a double from Anthony Martial, but these goals only served to make the scoreline more respectable. City were thoroughly deserving of their emphatic victory, leaving Ten Hag scrambling for answers as to why his side were so off the pace for much of the match.
"It was a lack of belief," the United manager told Sky Sports. "I'm surprised why we didn't bring that on the pitch. I have seen a different team, a different spirit and a different fight... We were not brave in possession. It is always difficult to find out.
"The players know they can do better. If you don't fight, then you have a problem against a team like Manchester City. This is definitely different [to the 4-0 defeat at Brentford]. We didn't run there. We wanted to today but didn't follow the principles.
"It was a lack of belief. I will show the team that we could have been front-footed. We win the ball then give it away for the first goal. We take wrong decisions in the transition afterwards. We don't follow the rules so we are undisciplined. It cannot happen. It is unacceptable.
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"It is a process. It is one game. Maybe against other teams, the problems would not come but against Manchester City they will. I want to change the head and the attitude from the team. There was a reaction in the second half. We were more brave and scored three goals. Only from mistakes you learn."
United's defeat leaves them sixth in the Premier League standings with a record of four wins and three defeats. City, meanwhile, are hot on the heels of leaders Arsenal, sitting one point behind the Gunners in second as they aim to defend their crown.
Reflecting on the result, City manager Pep Guardiola said: "It was really good [in the first half]. We scored four goals and could have scored more. After half-time, it was more difficult. It was a great victory, a great game, everyone was happy in the stadium and we enjoy it against our rivals. It was a good afternoon for us."
