“It was a marvellous advertisement for football.

“We are naturally disappointed to have lost. But the team gave me everything and I couldn’t ask for more.

“They deserve it [a break away after the Sunderland match] and with no game for ten days this will help them recharge their batteries.

“Although we are out of the FA Cup we have still the League Cup and the League to look forward to.

Ron Saunders.




“They [Villa] were absolutely marvellous.

“They have played three Cup finals in eight days, if you count this game, but you would never have guessed it from this performance.

“My decision to congratulate the Villa lads was entirely spontaneous.

“When you consider the injuries they had this was a remarkable show by the whole team.

“Indeed, they played better than when they lost up here earlier this season.

“I really though that Andy Gray would play even if he had to turn out on crutches.

“But the deputies did well and they certainly did not let the side down.”

Manchester United manager Tommy Docherty.