Already without the services of Emile Heskey, David Dunn, Muzzy Izzet, Stan Lazaridis and Darren Anderton, the Blues boss was forced into more changes from the side that beat Southampton in midweek when defender Matty Upson was ruled out with a hamstring strain and Stephen Clemence was on passionate leave because his partner is about to give birth to the couple's first child. "When United needed a piece of inspiration after an hour, Roy gave it to them. He is a top, top, player as we also saw in the win at Highbury."
"We're satisfied, we gave as good as we got," Bruce said after the 2-0 defeat.
"The one thing you do need here though is that when a chance comes your way you've got to take it.
"Unfortunately Pandiani's rattled the crossbar with a fantastic volley and Julian Gray had a wonderful opportunity just after half time."
Those misses proved costly for Blues as United took the lead through Roy Keane and wrapped up the game late on through Wayne Rooney after a poor back pass to keeper Maik Taylor by skipper Kenny Cunningham.
"We're disappointed with that goal with 10 to 12 minutes to go but he [Cunningham] has been immaculate all season," said Bruce.
"But overall, considering all the injuries we have, we've not done too bad.
"We tried to keep the ball, we tried to quieten the crowd, and we did that for long spells but when opportunities come your way you've got to take one."
Bruce also paid tribute to United skipper and goalscorer Roy Keane, a former team-mate of the Blues boss.
"He is a top player and a proper captain who leads by example and he will be a hard act to follow," said Bruce.