Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard gave the perfect response to being booed by Manchester United fans during Monday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Old Trafford.
Former Liverpool captain Gerrard was jeered by the home support when he walked out from the tunnel ahead of kick-off.
Never one to be intimidated by a hostile reception, Gerrard turned around to deliberately face the Stretford End.
He then walked backwards for a few steps – soaking in the atmosphere at Old Trafford.
It is the first time Gerrard has faced United in his managerial career.
He would have hoped for an early Aston Villa goal to silence the home support but instead it was United that took the lead - Scott McTominay putting the home side ahead with a well-placed header just eight minutes into the match.
Villa would go on to dominate large periods of the game and had two goals disallowed by referee Michael Oliver.
But United held on to claim a 1-0 victory and will now face Middlesbrough at Old Trafford in round four.
Gerrard has made no secret of his dislike for the Red Devils, having played for bitter rivals Liverpool for the majority of his playing career.
“I had been taught to loathe Manchester United," Gerrard wrote in his autobiography.
“It was drilled into our brains, hardening our hearts and conditioning our souls as Liverpool fans.
“It was tattooed into the head of every Liverpool fan. We had never liked each other, as clubs or cities, but the animosity had become deeper.
“Liverpool had been dominant for so long - then, finally, United took over under Sir Alex Ferguson.
“For more than 26 years, I’d always felt compelled to show fire towards them. They were the enemy.
“Their shirt is the only one I won’t allow in my house. I have a big collection of shirts I’ve swapped with other players - but not one from United.”
Topics: Manchester United, Aston Villa, Football, FA Cup, Steven Gerrard, Liverpool
Rory O'Callaghan