‘THAT ATMOSPHERE SPURRED US ON’

Manchester United’s players, and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, praised our outstanding home supporters after Sunday’s 2-0 Manchester derby victory.

The Reds beat Manchester City thanks to excellent goals from Anthony Martial and Scott McTominay, but the Reds were inspired by the incredible atmosphere generated at Old Trafford.

Speaking after the game, captain Harry Maguire said it was one of the best experiences he’s had at the Theatre of Dreams.

“That and the first game of the season were the best atmospheres [this season]. It was electric,” the told MUTV.

“The last 10 minutes were incredible to play in. It spurred you on, if you ever do need spurring on in a Manchester derby, but they were definitely the 12th man out there. It was a big three points and a big win for them.

“The atmosphere was unbelievable,” he added. “Credit to the fans, everyone in the stadium created an atmosphere out there that deserved three points for them to go to work tomorrow morning and have the bragging rights in the city.“

David De Gea also echoed the skipper’s sentiments. “It was great,” he told MUTV. “The whole game, the fans were amazing and, when we scored the second goal, it was crazy. The players feel everything and we want to say 'thank you' to them.”

While the crowd were fantastic throughout the game, it was in the final stages, as City began to launch more desperate attacks, that our home supporters really came into their own.

The atmosphere continued to build right until the final moments of the match when it exploded in a crescendo of emotion as McTominay netted from all of 40 yards to wrap up the three points.

“It was special,” the midfielder told Sky Sports after the game. “Every game at Old Trafford is special but these games - your Liverpools, Citys and Arsenals are very special and it is a real credit to these fans they are there through thick and thin.

“It means a lot for me. Even one or two singing your name, never mind the whole the Stretford End and the whole ground, it is brilliant.”

One man who knows all about our excellent fans is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and even he felt Sunday was a day to remember at Old Trafford.

Asked in his post-match press conference whether he could remember a better atmosphere at the Theatre of Dreams, the boss responded: “Probably not, no.

“I don’t know [if there was one from my playing days]. I was probably more used to it then. The connection between the fans and the team means a lot to me.

“I think they know that and I want our fans to know what these players want to do and what they’re about. They’re about hard work and desire. I see them every day and they give absolutely everything. There are not many egos here in that team.”