United manager Simon Grayson was quick to give credit to an impressive Cardiff City side after Monday's 4-0 reverse at the hands of the Welshmen - but lamented the fact he was discussing mistakes once again.

Jay Bothroyd had cashed in on a misunderstanding to give Cardiff the lead after an even first half, but three goals in the space of nine second half minutes secured what proved to be a comfortable win for the visitors.

"I was hugely disappointed with the result and the scoreline," said the United boss.

"You can look at it two ways. You can look at the mistakes we made for the first goal and a couple of other ones, but you have to give Cardiff credit.

"They have some fantastic individuals. They have a strong team with imagination, flair, they are solid and have plenty of Premier League experience.

"There are a few factors that cost us the game, but again one or two of those came from our own downfall, making mistakes again.

"For the first Alex went to head it and let it bounce. Once it's bounced it becomes indecision between him and Kasper and obviously that gave them a lift.

"I actually thought we started quite well and could have gone in at half-time at 0-0 and ready to step up a gear, but that's how things are going for us at the moment.

"We lacked that little spark and imagination in the final third, but we have to work hard to get out of this little spell.

"It's the first time I've had a spell like this here, but we have to stick together as a group and work hard, and we will come out of it."

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