Hughes was furious that over five minutes of added time was played at Old Trafford, allowing Michael Owen to seal a dramatic 4-3 victory for Manchester United.

City had clawed their way back into the match three times with Gareth Barry and Craig Bellamy twice on target, only to finish with nothing.

Hughes said: "We will be stronger after the events of this game, not weaker.

"We have come a long way in a short space of time. There will be setbacks like this but there is no denying we have the means and resources to be better and that is what we will be.

"I believe we are developing as each game goes by. We've got lessons to learn from this match but we will take them on board very quickly.

"We are going to be around for a long time. We know we can have an excellent season. That's what we aim to do and maybe get into a position to challenge."

Hughes rounded on referee Martin Atkinson and fourth official Alan Wiley after Owen's winner.

Hughes said: "I have not had a word with the referee yet but the the fourth official tried to give me an explanation of sorts as I was questioning the amount of time added on even before the game finished.

"His explanation did not sit comfortably with me. He said a minute plus had been added because of our celebration. We scored on 90 minutes, the board was already up for four minutes, so Mr Wiley said he was going to add that minute on.

"The amount of time from when we scored to when we kicked off was something like 45 seconds.

"Obviously he has played too much time and we ended up playing 97 minutes. I just needed an explanation as to why so much time was needed. It would be nice to get one but I don't think I will."

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson thought it was the greatest ever derby but Hughes countered: "It does not feel like that. From a neutral's point of view and United's they probably believe that. We just feel aggrieved.

"They did seem quite excitable at the end of the game. It reminded me of Sir Alex and Brian Kidd in years gone by. I saw Gary Neville running around like a lunatic. It showed how much it meant to them.

"That is something we will take out the game. We knew we could compete against United and we did that. It is a game we can take many positives out of.

"Craig Bellamy scored two goals that will probably never be bettered in his career. To be on losing side very difficult for him and the team to take."