Reports are out claiming that Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini accepts that Juan Mata’s goal was critical as Manchester United ran out 4-2 winners in the Manchester derby.
The Spanish international scored the Red Devils’ third goal in the 67th minute despite there being a hint of offside when he raced on to Wayne Rooney’s clever pass.
Of the timely effort, which had Louis van Gaal’s side 3-1 up, Pellegrini said: “The third goal was the decisive moment.
“Once they scored their third, we had to take more risks and they had space and they won the game.
“United’s pace wasn’t the problem for us. It’s easier for a team to play with pace when they have two goals in front and possession of the ball.”