Casemiro sends message to Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe after Man City defeat

Manchester United midfield enforcer Casemiro has admitted the Ineos Group should use Manchester City as "a mirror" in their attempts to bring the good times back to Old Trafford.

United were beaten 3-1 by their cross-city rivals in Sunday's derby at the Etihad Stadium, leaving them 11 points off the top four with just 11 games remaining. Despite taking the lead through a stunning goal from Marcus Rashford, the Reds were outclassed in the second half, conceding three times without issuing a response.

City enjoyed 72 per cent of the possession after half-time and restricted United to just one shot. The Reds were forced deeper and deeper as Pep Guardiola's side turned the screw.

READ MORE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe's task at United is becoming clearer

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag's substitutions further undermine his position at United

It was yet another reminder of the gulf between the two clubs, though new United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently vowed to knock City "off their perch" following completion of his 27.7 per cent stake in the club last month. In Casemiro's eyes, City have set the blueprint for Ratcliffe and his Ineos team to try and follow.

Asked after the derby if he has seen positive signs from the Ineos Group and if there is a long way to go before United can match City, Casemiro, speaking ESPN Brazil, said: "That is the big objective, we also have to be humble to accept that they are at the moment, not in history, as the history of Manchester United speaks for itself, but they are today the team to beat. Everyone wants to beat City.

"We have a mirror here, which is City, and they have been doing a great job."

On the arrival of Ineos and the impact he hopes they will have in M16, Casemiro continued: "Of