Gary Johnson revealed he had mixed emotions after seeing his Yeovil Town side edged out of The FA Cup by Manchester United.
The Glovers went toe-to-toe with their illustrious guests for the majority of the game, and missed a number of chances before Ander Herrera and Angel Di Maria struck in the second half to secure a 2-0 victory for Louis van Gaal’s men.
But Johnson refused to be downbeat.
Yeovil 0-2 Man Utd
FA Cup Third Round
Sunday 4 January
Huish Park, Yeovil
Winners receive £67,500
“I don’t want to be disrespectful and say it was an opportunity missed because of the effort the boys put in,” he said.
“But it’s bittersweet. I’m so proud of the boys.
“We wanted to make sure that we gave them a fright. We wanted to be part of two teams in a competitive football match and we did that."
Yeovil managed to keep United’s formidable frontline of Wayne Rooney, Radamel Falcao and James Wilson at arm’s length for the entire first half.
They hassled and hurried United’s into misplaced passes and shots from long range and went in even at the break.
And Johnson said despite the difference in stature of the two clubs, it was nothing short of what he expected.
“I wasn’t surprised by the performance because I knew this was a massive game and some of these lads may never get this type of game again,” he added.
“It was important we put on an event and I think the supporters are happy. Everything went very well, and we’re proud of our club.
“What we lack in quality and experience we make up for energy, commitment and desire.
“That was 100 per cent from my lads today and they’ve all gone into the dressing room with nothing more to give.”
United manager Van Gaal was equally complimentary of Johnson’s side, and following the narrow victory, said that he hopes this will be the year the Reds ends their FA Cup drought.
“I have to give my highest respect to the manager and players of Yeovil Town”
Louis van Gaal Manchester United manager
“I have to give my highest respect to the manager and players of Yeovil Town,” said Van Gaal.
“In the first half they didn’t give us any time to play on the ball. There was a lot of pressure. They were fantastic.
“I am very happy we have won. I want to win always a title, and the players also.
“I have heard from my fantastic assistant manager that for ten years Manchester United has not won The FA Cup – so maybe we can do that this year.
“But there is a long way to go.”
