Matic: We Showed Spirit Against Stoke

Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic was disappointed not to take all three points from Saturday's clash with Stoke, but believes the Reds can take positives from the game. 

United fell behind to Maxim Choupo-Moting's goal towards the end of the first half but responded almost immediately through Marcus Rashford, before going on to secure a 2-2 draw at the bet365 Stadium.

Speaking exclusively to ManUtd.com and MUTV after the match, the Serbian admitted that while the Reds could have won on the night, it was encouraging to come from behind to pick up a point.

"It was a tough game tonight," he said. "To be honest, it's always a tough game when you come to this stadium. Stoke are a good team, so it was difficult, but we managed to get a point.

"If we want to be champions, we have to win games like this because in these games, if you win, you are champion. We have to know against teams like this you have to have a little bit more, you have to be concentrated and of course we’re not happy with a point.

"It's always important if you can come from behind, and I think we showed spirit tonight. We had the lead in the second half but they scored a goal from the corner kick. We didn’t take some chances at the other end, so we could have won the game.

"It's always important to be at the top of the table if you can. I'm happy that we are still there, and we'll continue to work hard to stay there until the end of the season."

As well as Rashford, who has now scored in back-to-back games, Romelu Lukaku was also on the scoresheet once again for United. Asked about the attacking duo, Matic was full of praise for his team-mates, and feels he has settled in quickly.

"Yeah, it's great to see them score again and they are very important players for us," he added. "I hope they'll continue to play well; the season has really only just started and we have many games until the end, so I am hopeful that they can continue to do well.

"My team-mates have helped me to become a part of the team very quickly and I'll work hard to help them too. We want to win titles this season and I'm happy that I'm part of this great club."

Matic and United will now look forward to the visit of FC Basel in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday evening (KO 19:45 BST).