Lawrence: We've got to have belief

Reds substitute Ethan Williams scored the only goal of the game, broadcast live by MUTV for fans in the UK and Ireland, as Lawrence's side booked a trip to Swindon Town in the new year.

The game will be held at The County Ground and must be played before 20 January, following the Robins' 2-0 victory away at Luton Town. 

"Obviously, it will be different for us, playing away in the next round," coach Lawrence told MUTV.

"We don't play against Swindon in our regular games programme, so there's a little bit of the unknown as well, and we're playing in a different stadium we've not played at before. So there will be some difference for the players to experience but we've got to back ourselves to go toe to toe with anyone we're drawn with, in terms of the players' confidence in the group.

"They want to play against anyone and everyone, with respect. They have belief and confidence in their quality and we now have another tie to look forward to, so it's great."

In terms of the narrow win over Derby, the occasion made it another new test for the youngsters to pass, after a superb run of form at league level.

"It was definitely hard fought," admitted Lawrence. "We knew in terms of the competition, opposition and the whole environment around it, that it was going to be that type of game. There was a little bit on it so it was a great environment for the players to feel a little bit of pressure as well and it will more than help them in their education going forward.

"This was win or bust, that's why the competition is so magical. It's about the players being able to handle that pressure with the crowd here [at Old Trafford] as well. Our players always love playing in front of the Manchester United fans, it's so good for them to feel that as well."

Lawrence continued: "We felt in the first half, although we had some good chances ourselves, Derby had a couple of good chances in transition when they exploited the spaces we were leaving quite well. They're a good team and posed some threats as well but, in the second half, I felt we dealt with those dangers better.

"My gut feeling is we had a lot of moments around the goal where, if we'd got the final pass right or a final little bit of quality on the finish, the game could have maybe ended up 2-0 or 3-0. In the second half, we limited their number of chances and we obviously took the one chance. 

"Maybe, on another day, we'd be more clinical and get the second or third, but it was edgy towards the end. That wasn't nice at the time, but [it was good to experience] how we manage the game and see it through with a one-goal lead to progress through to the next round of the competition, which we wanted to do."

Reds defender Jack Kingdon commented: "It's just an amazing feeling, under the lights, playing with friends. Derby made it really hard for us, you've got to give respect to them, but I thought the boys dug in and did really well.

"Everyone in the backline was so focused and on it, so it was easier to control. We'll have a good break, well deserved for everyone but we can't wait [for the next round]."

United scorer Williams added: "You've got to be in the right place and the right time and I guess I was. Coming off the bench, it was lucky it was me to get the goal. It's what you're there for, to come on and make an impact. You have got to make an impact by studying the opposition first.

"We'll be ready for them [Swindon] and prep for it after Christmas. We'll be looking to get a win and get into the fifth round."