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Manchester United players stood up to be counted in the Etihad dressing rooms to roar them back to derby victory.

At half-time Jose Mourinho challenged his squad not to end the match as 'clowns' as they faced the prospect of having to witness City become champions on their home turf.

But the Reds boss did not need to fire his players up as they clubbed together to rouse themselves after a sluggish 45 minutes.

Every player was vocal at half-time and it was senior men Ashley Young and Michael Carrick who led the discussion.

"Everyone [spoke out]," said Ander Herrera after the game.

"Of course the oldest guys with the most experience - Ash, Mike was in the dressing room - they have the power in their words but everyone was talking.

"We didn't talk too much about tactics, just about our pride and about the club - this club you can never underestimate it.

"Our pride on the pitch and that our fans were going to have a difficult night if we got beaten.

"We did it for them and of course for us and our position but overall for them. I was thinking at half-time that it was going to be difficult for them if we got beaten so I'm happy for them."

Paul Pogba also played tribute to Carrick - who will officially be part of the backroom staff next season when he retires - for improving his positioning and making him more of a goal threat.