Middlesbrough boss Chris Wilder appreciated Manchester United fielding a full-strength team for last night's FA Cup penalty shootout shock at Old Trafford.
With scores 1-1 after normal time, Boro won the shootout 7-8.
Wilder said, "You saw tonight we've got plenty of character and bottle in there which you need.
"We were delighted to take it deep. To take it to penalties is no mean feat for us against the likes of Manchester United.
"When their team sheet come out, you see straight away how much they respect the competition and us. That was a really strong Manchester United side out there.
"We rode our luck at times, as you have to. You always understand that when you come here, and they've got the players they have on show, they're always going to create a lot of chances.
"I was delighted we were only 1-0 down at half time and then it was a different Boro side second half and we hung on in there."
Boro's penalties were all flawless.
Dean Henderson in goal for Manchester United didn't come close to saving any, while Manchester United's first seven had been good before Elanga's miss too.
Asked if his side practised penalties, Wilder laughed: "No! I must admit, I don't think to do that. I don't think you can replicate the match day.
"You just look on the night at the players who are flat out and who's got the legs. Some of the lads might not have got to the penalty spot, never mind take one.
"You have a look at who you fancy and then it's up to them to show what they're about and I thought all the boys did that. Some fantastic penalties.
"Tav, Paddy, Dael Fry I was delighted for. Young boys, terrific on the night. I didn't want their nights defined by a penalty miss. So delighted for them.
"Up comes our combined age of about 90 with Peltier and Bamba and those two show their experience to stick it away as well."
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