‘Pretty magical’ – Dean Holden savours chance to manage Charlton at his beloved Old Trafford

Lifelong Manchester United fan Dean Holden has described managing Charlton Athletic at Old Trafford as “pretty magical”.

The Addicks boss expressed his pride after the League One outfit acquitted themselves well in the last eight EFL Cup encounter. Two late Marcus Rashford strikes put a flattering 3-0 gloss on the final scoreline.

Asked about leading a team out at the famous stadium, Holden said: “It was pretty magical. From minute one until the 94th minute I was totally focused – I could’ve been the coach of my daughter’s under-eights team.

“I’ve sat in every corner of this stadium over the years and never once did I really believe I’d stand in that technical area. What it shows you is that if you work hard enough and get a little bit of luck on your side then anything is possible.

“I’ve been on the canvas a few times but you’ve got to keep getting up and throwing the punches.

“My dad is next door – 70 years old – he has been coming for 60-odd years. It’s a pretty special moment.”

PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS