Manchester United lose 2-0 to rival Manchester City as pressure builds on manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

(CNN) – Manchester United fell to their fourth defeat of the Premier League season at Old Trafford on Saturday, losing 2-0 to rival Manchester City.

The game’s two goals – an own goal by defender Eric Bailly, before Bernardo Silva converted a cross at the edge of half – came in the first half, putting pressure on United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. .

The result moves City up to second in the league table, while United, who have now only won one of their last six Premier League games, remain fifth.

“They played well, of course, they don’t give you a chance to win the ball from them so they should get some praise,” Solskjaer told Sky Sports.

“But we were not at our level and it is necessary to raise the standards.”

City took the lead after seven minutes, when Bailly deflected a Joao Cancelo cross into United’s goal.

The best opportunity to draw came in the 26th minute, when Cristiano Ronaldo surprised with a powerful volley that was saved by Ederson, but it was City that dominated the first half, as Gabriel Jesús and Cancelo made shots that were saved with force by De Gea.

But the United goalkeeper couldn’t avoid Bernardo Silva’s goal from a Cancelo cross just before half-time, doubling the advantage of those led by Guardiola.

United put Jadon Sancho into the second half, which started as a more even competition than the first.

Cristiano Ronaldo made the only shot against Manchester City.

However, City’s advantage never seemed threatened as Pep Guardiola’s team dominated possession.

Phil Foden and John Stones had a chance to score a third goal in the final 10 minutes, but the score remained 2-0 at the final whistle.

“I think today we had the game of our lives,” Foden told Sky Sports. “Everything went well, a lot of possession and a lot of chances. We dominated from start to finish, which is obviously very good.”

United’s latest defeat in the league comes two weeks after a humiliating 5-0 by Liverpool, followed by a 3-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur and a 2-2 draw against Atalanta in the League of Champions.

But despite recent results, Solskjaer said he didn’t feel like his days as United manager were numbered.

“I have good communication all the time with the club who are very direct and honest about the situation,” he added.

“I work for Man United, I want the best for Man United and of course, while I’m here, I want to do what I can to improve this.”