Preston North End manager Simon Grayson has told his players that they can hold their heads high after their performance against Manchester United in the FA Cup fifth-round clash at Deepdale.
The Lilywhites took the lead in the 47th minute through Scott Laird, but the Red Devils rallied to win 3-1 thanks to goals from Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and a Wayne Rooney penalty.
Grayson told BBC Sport: "Our players thought Wayne Rooney was in the way for their first goal but we can see that he wasn't. The players can be very proud, we gave them a good game.
"We looked like we were comfortable but when they went 4-4-2 they exposed us down the sides. They have class. The players can wake up in the morning and be proud of what they've done.
"They've not let the game pass them by and we hope to use this as motivation for the rest of the season."
North End resume League One duties with a home fixture against Scunthorpe United on Saturday.
Giuseppe Labellarte
