Jose Mourinho dedicated Manchester United's EFL Cup victory over Manchester City to the club's fans after they showed their unwavering support.
Juan Mata's second-half strike claimed the bragging rights for United as they bounced back from Sunday's defeat at Chelsea by booking their place in the quarter-finals.
"I'm happy. The players did everything, they deserved to win," the Portuguese told Sky Sports.
"We are obviously happy because, in the last week when everything has gone against us, the fans have felt deeply the negative results and today was a good chance to clean that feeling.
"To win against Manchester City gives everyone a better feeling and I'm especially happy for the players and the fans."
Mourinho endured a bitter return to Chelsea last time out as United effectively found themselves out of the game at Stamford Bridge inside 30 seconds, following Pedro's opener.
The United boss made just four changes to City counterpart Pep Guardiola's nine as the continuity delivered an improved defensive display.
City, who brought Sergio Aguero and Raheem Sterling on in the final quarter, failed to register a single shot on target in a game for the first time since April 2012.
And, asked if Sunday's result played a role in his decision to name a strong team, Mourinho added: "Yes. [Before Sunday] We were in a good run of results - in the last seven we lost one - so Sunday was a big defeat with numbers that the history of this clubs do not deserve.
"When I am in a club my heart belongs to the fans and I felt deeply for them. The reality is that I never had fans like these, we lost 4-0 and we were supported.
"Today the stadium was full of real support and it looks like the love people have for the club is bigger than bad results or three bad seasons.
"So we had to give something back, regardless of the result - we could have lost and I would have the same feeling for my players.
"My players gave absolutely everything in a very difficult run which presented matches every two days - big games against Liverpool, Fenerbahce, Chelsea and City.
"They gave absolutely everything. Even if we lost today the feeling was absolute fantastic because the players showed they really care and they care for the fans."