Captain Jordan Clarke led the Iron team that played in Saturday's local derby against Grimsby.
Mattie Pollock scored in the first half, securing the win for the hosts despite United’s efforts.
Speaking about the game to iFollow Iron, Clarke said: “It’s one fixture that everyone in Scunthorpe looks forward to. I’ve looked forward to it since I've been a player here and I’m very disappointed with the result.
“I’m frustrated in many ways, I’m disappointed because I gave my all today and left my all out there and tried my hardest because I know what it means to the club, to the fans and what it means to me now.”
As captain of the team, Clarke said: “I wouldn’t ever badmouth my players, we need everyone on the same wavelength. I’m just disappointed because that’s just the way it makes me feel losing any game - especially this one.”
He gave his thoughts on their goal, continuing: “It wasn’t even a proper chance, more of a mistake. We need to be landing on the second balls especially in the six-yard box - that can’t be happening. We’ve had that discussion and we need to rectify that."
With the second game of the season against Grimsby taking place in just a few weeks' time in January, Clarke said: “We need to be rougher, tougher, create more chances and we need to show a different side to rectify this - not just for ourselves but for the fans.”
The Iron's next match is on Boxing Day against Mansfield, and Clarke hopes the players can benefit from no midweek fixture.
He said: “There are always a lot of games over Christmas, it’ll give some lads a good chance to get some rest and recuperation in their legs, ready to go again.
“It’ll also give some lads the chance to get some good fitness and strength work into them. We need to make sure we're all fit, ready and raring to go.”
See much more from Jordan Clarke on iFollow Iron. Click here to get your iFollow match pass for the Boxing Day home encounter against Mansfield Town.