We had to bounce back, admits Owen as United stroll to Carling Cup win at Aldershot
Michael Owen admitted Tuesday night’s shadow Manchester United team felt extra pressure after Sunday’s 6-1 humiliation at the hands of Manchester City.
Sir Alex Ferguson fielded a completely different starting XI against League Two Aldershot but former England striker Owen, who scored the second goal, conceded United’s players needed to protect the reputation of the football club.
He said: ‘We were a little bit under pressure with the result at the weekend.
Thumbs up: Michael Owen celebrates scoring Manchester United's second
‘The laughs and jokes have quietened down a little bit since Sunday.
'Sometimes you need a kick in the teeth to get going. It was a big kick in the teeth, and we were eager to bounce back.’
'Although no-one here started at the weekend, you still have Manchester United's reputation to look after.
Done and dusted: United celebrate their third goal against Aldershot
'So whatever side was put out, we wanted to bounce back and thankfully we got the win.
Ferguson praised his side’s professionalism, saying: ‘In any game we’re looking for that discipline. If we kept our discipline and just played out the game with 10 men on Sunday it wouldn’t have bothered another side.
Job done: Sir Alex Ferguson was pleased with his side's performance
‘It’s the nature of Manchester United to try to win the game whether it’s 10 men, nine men, seven men or 11 men. It’s very difficult to change. We had a difficult day on Sunday because we tried to play with the history book.’
'That's their nature and it's very difficult to change that.
'But tonight they kept their discipline, they kept their professionalism, enjoyed it tonight - the players enjoyed that.'
Well played: Dean Holdsworth (left) was pleased with his side's showing
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