Manchester United had to work hard to battle past Northampton Town and reach the fourth round of the League Cup.
The Red Devils ended a run of three successive losses as they registered a 3-1 win at the Sixfields Stadium.
Manager Jose Mourinho was delighted to reach the next round as he praised midfielder Michael Carrick who was making his return in the squad.
"We deserved it," Mourinho explained.
"It was as I was expecting. We were totally in control for the first 35 minutes and then we were back in control for the last 25 minutes.
"As a team we had control from the beginning.
"I think the substitutions were just a contribution and, overall, the team was completely in control. The game could and should have been easier, because normally it is easier against 10 men – we should have been playing against 10 men very early in the second half.
"But they fought and they played with their strength. They tried to cause us problems, which they did at times, so it was a difficult match but overall it was a positive performance."
"[The penalty?] I think I should stop speaking about the referee's decisions and I should just wait for you to speak about it.
"Some with an honest vision, some with a dishonest vision, but I should just wait a couple of minutes. I know I talked about the red card, but that was a dangerous situation, and I am not speaking about the penalty.
"I am speaking a situation that could happen and what could have been an important injury. Even in this kind of situation I should stop and leave it with you.
"I don't want to individualise too much, I think he [Michael Carrick] was fine and I think the midfield worked really well in the control of the game.
"I changed Schneiderlin to Marouane to try to stop what I know was going to happen with our opponent losing 2-1, which was for them to put long balls into the box and waiting for set pieces. But I think collectively the team was fine."
