• Premier League

Vidic: United will bounce back from derby defeat

Nemanja Vidic skippered a defence that gave up four goals at the Etihad Stadium © PA Photos

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Nemanja Vidic has told Manchester United's players not to feel sorry for themselves after Sunday's derby defeat to Manchester City and insists it is down to the team, not manager David Moyes, to ensure it does not lead to a slump.

Vidic captained United in the 4-1 loss at the Etihad Stadium and has urged his team-mates to pick themselves up for their Capital One Cup clash with Liverpool on Wednesday.

Vidic said: "We cannot be sad and feel sorry for ourselves. We can't afford to do that. We have to react and win the next match."

United were beaten 6-1 by City two years ago and went on to win their next three league games, and the defender takes heart from United's record of reacting well to defeats.

He added: "We have been beaten in the past. It is not the first derby defeat so it is not a first for a United captain."

Vidic does not believe having David Moyes at the helm will affect the side's response and has called on the senior players in the dressing room to ensure they return to form.

"This is a club that has a history," he added. "This is a club who has players who have won so many titles and the players are all national team players. There is so much experience. We have to bounce back but this has hurt.

"The most important thing that the new manager and the old manager said was that you have to bounce back and win the next game.

"You don't want to lose derby games in this way and trust me no-one will want to remember this.

"It is tough when you lose the derby game and especially the way we lost. It was never close to a draw or a win. But the worst part of it was the defeat."

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