Middlesbrough boss Aitor Karanka has argued that his side's penalty victory over Manchester United on Wednesday night in the Capital One Cup was completely merited as they were the 'better' team.
Boro were on the wrong end of a 14-13 penalty shootout epic against Liverpool last season, but were able to seal their progress this time around after Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick and Ashley Young all missed their spot-kicks for the hosts.
"I told my players after the game that we were better than them -- we were more confident on the pitch, we were fitter than them," Karanka said.
"For that reason, I have to say how proud I am of my players. Penalties sometimes you lose -- last season we lost against Liverpool after 30 penalties -- and sometimes you can win like today.
"The main thing is the performance, and the performance today against Man United, a big team, it was amazing."
Karanka has guided Middlesbrough to fourth in the Championship table after 13 games, and says that his sights are firmly set on promotion to the Premier League.
"I am so proud of my players and our crowd should be. To beat Man United, Man City and go face to face with Liverpool and Arsenal is some achievement. Two years ago if we'd have thought we could have nights like this...
"My aim is to get the club to these kinds of stadiums every week."