Gary Rowett believes that Derby County’s performance at Old Trafford against Manchester United on Friday night was a true demonstration of his side’s potential.
The Rams were well in the game up until the 84th minute, when Jesse Lingard lashed home before Romelu Lukaku sealed United’s path to the FA Cup Fourth Round with a second just prior to added time.
Prior to the tie, Rowett told his players to prove that they can cut it at this level, and the Derby boss was more than satisfied with what he saw.
Speaking to RamsTV, he said: “I’m really proud of the players and the way we moved the ball, and also the bravery to be able to do that at a place like this.
“I think it showed what a good team we can be, so we’ve got to take that forward.
“With their line-up, you knew that they weren’t going to take us lightly and they brought Lukaku on at half-time as well.
“The players did us proud this evening, we showed different sides to our game and that we could defend with real tactical maturity.
“We had some really good spells where we kept control of the game, we had to take the sting out of their attacks and almost have a little bit of a breather in possession.”
Before Lingard struck a crucial blow, Carson had kept Derby in the tie with a series of superb saves, most notably from set-pieces from Juan Mata and then Paul Pogba.
Rowett admitted that his team were lucky at times, but he thinks that is something that shouldn’t be held against his side.
He added: “They looked as if they were frustrated, but it was an unbelievable strike and that’s what it was going to take tonight.
“It was a fitting way to win the game and I think I stood and applauded.
“We rode our luck occasionally but that’s what you’ve got to do in a game like this.
“Scotty made a couple of wonderful saves in the first half and they hit the post twice, but I’ve seen Premier League teams come here and ride their luck.”
The Rams are back in league action next Saturday with a trip to Rowett’s former club Birmingham City, and he hopes that the disappointment of a defeat to a very good side won’t dampen their spirits.
He said: “I was pleased with the performance the attitude of the players and I’m disappointed that they’ve come off dejected after losing at Old Trafford.
“We’ve got a period where we’re only going to be playing at weekends, so it’s important that we get ready to kick on and work incredibly hard.”
