Michael Owen insisted that Manchester United simply HAD to win in the Carling Cup against Aldershot - there was no other option.

Following their 6-1 drubbing by City (which Owen didn't play a part in), United were drawn against the Hampshire minnows in the League Cup. Whilst manager Sir Alex Ferguson changed the whole team around, it would have been another body blow to United had they failed to qualify for the Quarter Finals.

‘The laughs and jokes have quietened down a little bit since Sunday. Sometimes you need a kick in the teeth to get going. It was a big kick in the teeth, and we were eager to bounce back.’

'Although no-one here started at the weekend, you still have Manchester United's reputation to look after. 'So whatever side was put out, we wanted to bounce back and thankfully we got the win.