It was the first time since a 3-2 defeat by Cardiff City in August 2013 that the Citizens lost having opened the scoring in the first half, and Ten Hag paid tribute to his players’ efforts.

Erik ten Hag praised Manchester United’s spirit and perseverance after they overcame a deficit to defeat rival Manchester City 2-1 in a thrilling derby.

Substitute Jack Grealish gave Pep Guardiola’s team a lead at Old Trafford in the second half, but goals from Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford quickly turned the big match around.

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After a ninth consecutive victory in all competitions and a 10th at home, United is currently very much in the title race.

They are only six points behind leaders Arsenal after closing the gap on their rivals in second place to one.

The Citizens lost after taking the lead in the first half for the first time since a 3-2 loss to Cardiff City in August 2013.

“I’m really happy with the performance of the team,” he told BT Sport. “The spirit of the team is so huge, the belief is there that the game is 90 minutes, and we can fight back.

“The belief is back, and we’re in a good direction.

“You have to work out of possession [against teams like City]. They have qualities in split-moments to score goals. We saw that today. One mistake and they scored.”

Twelve minutes from the end, United controversially equalized when Fernandes curled past Ederson when Rashford was in an offside position and sprinted onto Casemiro’s cross without touching the ball.

To City’s dismay, VAR reversed the initial offside determination, but Ten Hag could understand their dissatisfaction.

“I can see it from the other side as well,” he added. “It’s a confusing moment for the back line of the opponent.

“The rules say Marcus didn’t touch the ball, and he wasn’t interfering. Bruno came from the back – but I can see it from the other side.”