City failed to register a shot on target in the second half.

"I'm incredibly well paid to handle these situations, to handle the press conference, accept all the criticism, but I want to be honest, in one or two seasons, over a year, year-and-a-half, we were able to lose (only) eight games," Guardiola said.

"We were top of the league and the only unbeaten team in Europe.

"And, in one month and 10 days, we lost eight games. This is a big club, and the club, of course, cannot accept it.

"I am sitting here in this press conference because of what I have done in the past; otherwise, in big clubs, they don't sustain a manager that way.

"I knew this would be a tough season but I didn't expect it would be as hard as it is right now.

"I want it, desperately. But eight (losses) out of 11? I'm here to try and will try again and again. That is the reality."

A huge relief

The win was a huge relief for new United boss Ruben Amorim, who had won just one of his first four Premier League matches.

"I think, for the fans, it has a deep meaning, especially in this context, in this moment," the former Sporting Lisbon boss said after his first Manchester derby experience.

"We had a difficult moment one week ago against Nottingham (Forest) at home with a storm. It was a really tough moment after the game.

"Today, we are more happy, but it's three points that we have to continue (to build on)."

United finished the day 13th in the Premier League table — where it started — after Tottenham handed out a 5-0 hammering to bottom club Southampton.

Agencies