Charlton boss says Old Trafford experience was 'magical'

Charlton manager Dean Holden admitted that it was a special feeling to lead his side against his boyhood club, even if he was disappointed with a 3-0 loss to Manchester United.

Holden was born in Salford and he and his family have been season ticket holders at Old Trafford for decades. Tuesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final was the first time he had managed a team at the home of his idols.

“It was pretty magical,” said the 43-year-old, “it was an incredible experience. I’ve sat in every single corner of this stadium (Old Trafford) over the years, but not once did I really believe that I would stand in the technical area.

“It shows that if you work hard enough and you get a bit of luck on your side anything is possible.”

Two late goals from Marcus Rashford added to a first-half strike from Antony to ensure it would be the Premier League side who progressed to the semi-finals of the competition, although Holden felt there was plenty to take away from the defeat.

“I thought it was a harsh score line,” he said. “I’m proud of the performance. We rode our luck in the first 20 minutes, but which Premier League clubs comes here and doesn’t have to do that?

“We grew into the game, and I was really pleased with the belief we showed with the ball at our feet. We were so close to finding the last pass on the counterattack but couldn’t quite manage it.

“We came out in the second half and had a big chance through (Scott) Fraser. I thought we were in control, and I turn to my left and Erik (ten Hag) is bringing on Casemiro, (Christian) Eriksen and Rashford.

“I’m disappointed with losing the game. I know it’s Old Trafford, I know it’s Man United, but I’m trying to create a winning culture at this football club.”

Almost 9,000 Charlton supporters made the journey to the north-west in the hope of seeing their team make the semi-finals of a major competition for the first time since 1947.

Even though the result went against them on the night, Holden, who has been in charge for just five matches since his December appointment, felt they were a credit to the club in difficult circumstances.

“Fans aren’t silly are they? They wanted to see a performance and I thought we gave them that,” stated Holden. “They’ve travelled up a long way, there’s no trains home so God knows what time they’re going to get back (to London).

“The only thing I promised when I came in was that the players would run through brick walls for the shirt, I think they (the fans) have seen that tonight.

“We knew the backing we were going to get, there’s a connection there (with the supporters), you can see that.

“It was important to use tonight to come out of it as a better football club and I think we’ve done that.”

Charlton owner Thomas Sandgaard was at Old Trafford to see the game even though rumours persist that he is close to selling the club.

Holden praised his players for remaining focused despite the speculation and stressed that his focus is solely on football-related matters as he attempts to continue their climb up the League One table.

“This can’t be after the Lord Mayor’s Show now, we’ve got Barnsley to take care of at the weekend,” said the former Bristol City boss.