Jose Mourinho said he was overwhelmed by the indisputable support Manchester United received at Old Trafford on Wednesday during their 1-0 win over City in the EFL Cup fourth round clash.
Mourinho's men put behind their 4-0 Premier League loss against arch rivals Chelsea on Sunday, to come up with a solid show in the derby tie.
Despite creating a lot of chances, United went into the break with a 0-0 scoreline. Paul Pogba, who came up with one of his better performances for the Red Devils, had an opportunity to grab the opening goal in the early minutes of the second half only to see the cross bar coming to City's rescue.
However, United kept pressing and Juan Mata delivered for the hosts when he slotted in a low cross from Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 54th minute of the game. The only goal knocked Pep Guardiola's City out of the tournament and helped the Red Devils avenge their league derby defeat earlier this season.
An elated Mourinho conceded both the fans and the team endured the difficult phase after their "humiliating" defeat at Stamford Bridge. The Portuguese tactician added the "incredible" support his side is receiving even after such difficult moments is bigger than "success and trophies".
"It is especially important because it was a way to create a better feeling for the absolutely wonderful fans that I have never seen before in my life. After the defeat at Chelsea, to have this support is incredible," Mourinho was quoted as saying by United's official website.
"It is real passion that does not depend on results or the moments. It is easy to be a Man United fan when you win the Treble, when you win five titles in seven years. But it is not so easy when you lose 4-0 and this is incredible. The only thing I can say is that I could not be prouder than I am to be Man United manager.
"The love that these people have for the club is bigger than the result, it is bigger than the success and the trophies. It is real love and it is real passion. I am very happy for them, I don't care about myself. I am not happy because it is important for me, I am happy for the fans."
United now will take on West Ham United, who defeated Chelsea 2-1 in their last 16 clash, in in the week commencing Monday 28 November in the quarter-final of the EFL Cup, days after the two teams meet in the league clash at Old Trafford.
