© EuroFootball.com
Strategist Roberto Mancini admitted that catching up with the club this season could be too difficult.
In the Manchester derby on Saturday, "Man Utd" defeated the visitors 2-1 and continue to top the league table, leading their derby rivals by 8 points.
"A draw would have been the fairest result. We played very well, so I am proud of the players," said the Italian.
"I thought we could win, especially when we equalized. But then Rooney scored a fantastic goal and everything turned upside down."
And he added: "Of course, catching up with "Man Utd" will be very difficult, but we have to try. Just like today we undeservedly lost, the next day we can undeservedly win."
