‘Incredibly harsh’ – Charlton midfielder Scott Fraser on EFL Cup scoreline against Manchester United

Scott Fraser has described Charlton Athletic’s 3-0 defeat at Manchester United as “incredibly harsh” as their EFL Cup adventure came to an end.

Antony curled the Red Devils into a first-half lead at Old Trafford but they needed big-hitters Marcus Rashford, who scored twice in the closing minutes, along with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen to be introduced after the hour mark with the tie still not put to bed.

“I’m so proud of this team and this group,” said Addicks midfielder Fraser. “Three-nil is incredibly harsh. I don’t think it was a 3-0 game.

“We were so good. Particularly in the first half – we were maybe one pass or a decision away from getting in. They bring on the likes of Rashford and Eriksen – it shows how well we were doing.

“We need to be proud, we need to be upbeat and take this into the league.

“Better decision-making from us, better quality in the final third – we could’ve got a goal or two. Don’t get me wrong, they’ve also got world-class players all over the pitch and bench.”

Charlton had 9,000 supporters travel for the tie.

“Brilliant man,” said Fraser. “It shows what this club can be. It’s not been like that for too long now. It is up to us as a group of players and staff – whatever is going on behind the scenes – we need to come as one. We did that tonight and put on a real good show for the club.

“There are a few tired bodies but adrenaline really takes you through this game. We’ll recover tomorrow and Thursday and go again on Friday.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS