Ralf Rangnick Makes Worrying Admission After Man United's Heavy Defeat to Rivals City at Etihad

• Ralf Rangnick has conceded Man City are a class of their own following their 4-1 thrilling win over Man United at Etihad
• The Red Devils were completely outplayed as they suffered a heavy loss in the hands of their bitter rivals
• Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez scored a brace each during the clash to render Jadon Sancho's sublime goal a mere consolation

Man United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has claimed that the Red Devils have "a long way to go" to catch up with rivals, Man City.

The German made the claim after United's 4-1 heavy defeat to City at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, March 6.

Rangnick's men were outclassed by their rivals in nearly every department as City exposed the significant gap in quality between the two sides.

De Bruyne, Mahrez masterclass down Man United

Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez were in fine shape during the clash as they played a central role in City's huge win.

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Football

De Bruyne opened the goalscoring as early as the fifth minute of the tie before Jadon Sancho struck an equaliser with a sublime finish in the 22nd minute.

However, the Belgian restored the home side's advantage in the 28th minute before Mahrez completed his own brace in the second half to inspire the hosts to a thrilling win.

Ralf Rangnick admits Man City have better quality

Speaking after the clash, Rangnick openly admitted City were the better side - especially in the second half.

"We conceded a fourth in the last minute of the game. It is a difficult game that shows we have a long way to go to close that gap," he said as quoted by Goal.

"The second half they were the better team and they showed the quality they have. We struggled especially after they scored the third one," he added.

Rangnick explains Ronaldo absence

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Earlier, Sports Brief reported Cristiano Ronaldo played no role during the 187th edition of the Manchester derby staged at the Etihad Stadium.

The Portuguese was among four key United players who were ruled out of the encounter at the last minute.

According to Rangnick, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner suffered a hip injury on Friday, March 4, and has not trained since then.