Brian Barry-Murphy reflects on Wednesday night’s memorable Carabao Cup tie against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
“The players gave everything, as they have done in a lot of recent games, even though we haven’t had results in the league that reflect that,” said the Dale boss.
“It was a great night for the Club, and I think we portrayed ourselves in the manner that we believe we represent. The supporters and the whole town came out in numbers that had to be seen to be believed.
“I think it’s a very, very successful night for all of our players. We didn’t lose the game; we got a result at Old Trafford. We took the game into penalties which we thought we could win.
“I don’t think it’s a one off [performance]. Our players have displayed great courage and resoluteness in tough games this season.
“I believed that if we were still in it going deep into the game, then we would create chances. We’ve got dangerous players in the final third and we created a couple of good chances before we scored.
“I wasn’t surprised that we scored, it was just a case of whether we could keep out such an attacking, potent team, made up of superstars. We managed to do that which I thought was testament to the way that we defended as a team.
“The pragmatic and boring side of me would now want to focus on Saturday’s game, but I think it’s fine that the players are able to enjoy this success. Otherwise, what’s the point in me asking them to put in so much effort, which they have done since the start of pre-season.”
Barry-Murphy reserved special praise for 16-year-old Luke Matheson, who scored Dale’s equaliser on the night.
“Luke’s an amazing guy. He’s unordinary in terms of the path he has taken, and his skill has been paramount to that.
“His success has been unreal on pitch. It’s a great night for a humble guy from a humble family. We’ve got no worries that Luke will remain grounded and incredibly hard working.”
The Dale boss also thanked the fantastic travelling supporters who backed the players throughout the night at Old Trafford.
“Our support has been incredible all season. There have been spells in games when we haven’t been at our best, and I guess they have been frustrated by some of our play at times.
“I’ve said it at the fans forum in pre-season, and the the supporters were very receptive to the fact, that there will be spells this season that aren’t straightforward, but as long as we’re giving everything for the cause then people will stick with us.
“That was the case tonight in one of the biggest arenas in world football. We stuck to the gameplan 100%, and were fully committed to playing the way that the Club has always played, with great courage and on the front foot.”
Watch the full interview with Barry-Murphy on iFollow HERE.