Ten Hag said: "We had two players on the pitch which were not 100% (fit). Jonny Evans and Marcus Rashford, but they gave everything like the whole team and we are disappointed with the score.
"Absolutely they fought, the togetherness and the performance was very good. On another day we could have won this - small margins.
"Especially Rashford he had some good opportunities to score another goal and Alejandro Garnacho at moments (had opportunities).
"I think the plan went well, very small margins so all the credits is to Man City and how consistent they can play."
On being booked after City's equaliser, he said: "Let's say this it is debatable there was contact (on Rashford) and it's a defining moment in the game, in the counter-attack they scored.
"It was soft (foul on Rashford), but when you are in a full sprint you lose your rhythm that is why he went down."
He added: "This year on we are really progressing and you have to get some points back. Everyone can beat everyone and things can quickly turn around.
"Number five (fifth position in the league) can also be a position for Champions League so we have to fight for it!"