Pep Guardiola has condemned Manchester United fans who sang insulting to Phil Foden in the Manchester derby, accusing them of lacking "grace".

After a dull 0-0 draw at Old Trafford, the Manchester City manager responded to the singing he received when the England international was substituted in a draw that hurt his side's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.

The singing was directed at Foden's mother, to which Guardiola responded: "Singing to him? Lack of grace. But it's not Manchester United, it's those people.

"Those people are...... We were too exposed. On the screen in the world of football, coaches, bosses and football players, especially.

"I don't understand the thoughts of those involved in (singing) Phil's mother. This is a lack of integrity, grace, and they should be ashamed.

"But that's just the way it is. I say this happens everywhere, only in the UK. That's just the way it is. ”

Manchester City were shocked and disgusted by the singing directed at Foden – not least because of their frequency and the number of United fans involved.

Failing to capitalise on Chelsea's 0-0 draw at Brentford, the draw left Manchester City fifth. Fifth place might be enough to qualify for the Champions League, but Aston Villa are just one point behind and, more dangerously, Newcastle United are two points behind but with two games in hand.

Asked if he was worried about not being able to reach the Champions League, Guardiola said: "There are eight games left (to play), Crystal Palace (at home), give it your all. I'd have preferred to get another 12 or 0, but that's just the way it is. Old Trafford is always difficult. We fought, and we were there. The players gave everything. We should attack in a more fluid way...... I'm not worried about next season now, I'm just worried about recovery, Crystal Palace, Everton, Aston Villa and the FA Cup semi-finals. ”

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim admits his side are still improving. "We have a lot of areas to improve," he said. "We need to improve in every aspect, organization, transition, stage decision-making. Every player can improve and they're here because they've shown something at other clubs. They have the ability. ”

There is a great lack of quality on both sides. 'I'm not naïve or crazy, I can see the moment we're in, I can see the opponent and understand that there's a big gap,' said Amorim. "But as a leader, I can't say we're going to spend all our time closing the gap. Even if we bring in more players, we have to hurry up and show a sense of urgency to do better, we don't have a lot of time in a club like that. We are in a hurry. ”

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville took the lead in criticising the lackluster match. The former Manchester United defender declared it a derby lacking "blood, thunder and adventure", with both sides content with a draw.

"I understand everything. I understand that Gary Neville is picky about everything. I understand that part," Amorim said. "I know we're in the worst season in our history, Man City have won all the trophies and we're struggling this season. I understand the critical point of view of the players who played in this game, who are fighting for everything. ”