Wootton Feels Mixed Emotions

Scott Wootton was “delighted” to make another Manchester United first team appearance on Wednesday, but admits defeat to CFR Cluj made it a bittersweet night at Old Trafford.

The young defender made his fourth club appearance against the Romanians, producing a fine display alongside Chris Smalling after Sir Alex Ferguson blended youth and experience with qualification to the UEFA Champions League knockout stages already secured.

In the end, Luis Alberto’s solo goal sealed a shock victory for the visitors, who now enter the Europa League by finishing third in Group H. But as Wootton says, United were unlucky to lose and could have perhaps won the game by a margin.

“It felt great, it’s another first team start and I’m delighted about that,” Wootton told MUTV. “But obviously the main thing is the team and we are all disappointed that we lost the game, even though we’d already qualified.

“We created loads of chances and on another night, with a bit more luck, we could have been three up by half time and the game could have been out of sight. Thankfully, we were already through and there was no pressure.

“There is nothing you can do about goals like that. Fair play, it was a great strike from their player. It was probably the biggest game in their history so to come to Old Trafford and get a win in front of a near full house was massive for them, fair play to them, but we’re very disappointed.

“Our players are very professional and we want to win every game we go in to. I don’t think it was anything to do with a lack of effort or anything like that. Like I said, with a little bit of luck and if we were a bit more clinical in front of goal, we might have won by three goals.”

United’s attention now turns to Sunday’s Manchester derby match at the Etihad Stadium and although Wootton is unlikely to feature, given the expected return of Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans, the 21-year-old is more than aware of the importance of such a fixture.

“It’s a massive game for the club. Rio and Jonny have been in great form all season. If we can go there and get a result then it will stand us in good stead. We take it one game at a time so I’m sure the preparations will step up in the next couple of days.”