Latics TV | Peter Murphy post-Manchester United.
A 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford ended Latics' historic FA Youth Cup run.
Latics were back in the thousands on the night.

Speaking on Latics TV in the tunnel at Old Trafford following his side's excellent display in the FA Youth Cup quarter final, Peter Murphy put his pride for his team and the club into words...

"Pride is the only word for it. We're disappointed with the result, but I'm so proud of every single one of them and everyone on the staff.

"It's what we work hard all season for, to eventually come to places like this and play a game of football. At Under 18 level, it doesn't get much better.

"It was tough and it was a big occasions for the lads. We had an Under 16 in Alfie Devine, we're asking a lot of him at that age, it was quite a young team on the whole, but the lads gave us absolutely everything they had in their legs. Unfortunately we couldn't get that final chance for us to stick away."

Sean McGurk grabbed Latics' goal in the 2-1 defeat, with Murphy adding:

"Sean (McGurk) was brilliant, he's been amazing. He had a slow start to his scholarship with an injury in the summer, but since he's been fit, he's got himself into the team and stayed there. He's so effective in games, he sets things up, he scores goals and he'll always do that because of his ability."

On the huge support that travelled to Old Trafford, Murphy continued:

"What a support! I didn't expect there to be that many, but it's all appreciated by the staff and the lads, that's why we went over before the game and after the game.

"We're all made up that they came out to support us like that, it makes you feel so proud."

Going into the remainder of the season, Murphy added:

"It would be nice now to go on and win the league and the Lancashire Cup, but also go and kick on and get appearances for the Under 23s.

"There's still a lot to play for, this isn't the end of our season at all and we'll be better for this experience. Whatever the result, we'll be better for this game.

"We'll get back to the training ground and some of the lads will train on Sunday with the 23s, ready to play again at the DW Stadium on Monday night.

"There are plenty of games left for the lads across both age groups and we've got to maximise our season and see what we can get out of it."

Peter Murphy | "Pride is the only word for it."