Goalkeeper Scott Carson hailed a memorable night for himself and Derby County Football Club as they advanced through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup following a penalty shootout victory against Manchester United.
The shot-stopper denied defender Phil Jones from 12 yards to ensure the Rams secured their passage through to the next stage following a 2-2 draw in normal time.
After 15 perfect penalties, Jones stepped up but the 33-year-old guessed the right way and saved. “I wasn’t having much luck before that,” Carson admitted to RamsTV. “Even when I was going the right side, they seemed to be really good penalties.
“Both sets of players penalties were really good tonight. The question I was asking myself when he walked up was is he going to be confident enough to whip it.
“He’s a centre half, I know he’s a good player with the ball but I thought he was going to play it safe with a side foot and thankfully I went that side. I did my best to let it slip under my body but thankfully I got a hand down and it was strong enough to keep it out.”
Harry Wilson’s stunning free kick and Jack Marriott’s first goal for the Rams put Frank Lampard’s men ahead, however, Marouane Fellaini equalised deep into stoppage time to send the game to spot kicks.
Carson was the hero during the shootout and it’s an occasion he will never forget. “It’s night’s like these that you dream of as a kid,” he said. “I’ve been here several times and I’ve only ever got one draw. You don’t normally get too many things when you come to Old Trafford so to make a penalty save and get us through to the next round is a night that we will all savour and remember.
“It’s an evening that we won’t forget. I’m sure the fans who were here tonight will go home proud and be thankful that they came to see that.”