Ruben Amorim could see clear signs of progress from his Manchester United team after they knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup on Sunday.
Amorim suffered the first defeat of his United spell at the Emirates Stadium in early December, but avenged that loss with a battle against the Gunners.
Bruno Fernandes fired the visitors into the lead in the second half, before Diogo Dalot was shown a second yellow card nine minutes later for a mistimed tackle.
Altay Bayindir then saved a penalty from Martin Odegaard, before the United goalkeeper's penalty shootout heroes ensured the holders progressed to the next round.
United have now knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup for the ninth time, more than any other team. Meanwhile, the Red Devils have only advanced in the league at the expense of Aston Villa (11), Liverpool (11) and Reading (10) more often than the Gunners.
They have also won three of their last four penalty shootouts in all competitions, having won just one of their eight shootouts between April 2009 and February 2022.
Sunday's victory marked the end of a positive week for Amorim, who secured a 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield.
But United had to work for the win, registering just seven shots during the match compared to Arsenal's 26, which gave a total expected goals (xG) of 3.22.
Amorim acknowledged the difficulties his side faced but was keen to look at the bigger picture in the hope of turning around their poor start to the season.
“Luckily the players were there, they fought. Sometimes what we talk about before the match is not tactical or technical, it is this,” Amorim told BBC Sport.
“We have to compete no matter what situation we are competing in today. We deserved to win, Arsenal didn't deserve to lose, but we deserved to win.”
“The way we played and the way we fought was very tough from the start. We didn't have much ball, but without the ball we were in control.
“I also want to thank all the fans. It was incredible. I didn't understand that that whole area was our supporters, so it was a good day for us now we have to rest the players, I'm already thinking about the next match they are very tired .
“Sometimes we have the feeling that everything will work out in the end. I felt that from the start of the second half, even after the penalty.
“I think the Arsenal team felt that today might not be their day. I am very happy with the way they controlled the game without the ball.
“We defended very well, in set pieces we were very strong. It was a good day, but now I'm thinking about the next game and I'm worried about the next game.
“We faced a great team and it not only lasted 90 minutes, it was more than that and then you feel that the players are very tired. They brought in new players, they were in control of the ball all the time, it was a sacrifice for my players.
“But we deserved to get through this round because we all suffered together and showed character and that is very important.”
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