Raphael Varane has admitted Manchester United were made to "suffer" during their FA Cup third round clash against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
A first-half Scott McTominay header was enough to ensure Ralf Rangnick's side progressed into the next round but many would argue their performance did not merit a victory.
After taking the lead inside the opening 10 minutes, United were guilty of gifting their visitors some gilt-edged chances to level the score over the course of the remaining 80 still to play.
Varane has conceded it was a gruelling task for the United players but opted to put a positive spin on it but suggesting it was a testament to the spirit of the current crop of Old Trafford stars.
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"It was a difficult match. We had to suffer a lot on the pitch but together and I liked the spirit of this match," the Frenchman told BBC Sport.
"We had the opportunity to score more goals. When it was not possible to play higher up the pitch we were compact and did not let them play easily.
"We had to be aggressive and as a result it is good. We are happy. We need more confidence, we need to be together and I think we are in a good way."
Villa actually had the ball in the back of United's net on two separate occasions but both were chalked off for differing reasons.
Danny Ings thought he had equalised only for a lengthy VAR check to rule out his effort due to Jacob Ramsey's obstruction of Edinson Cavani in the build-up.
Nearly four minutes passes before referee Michael Oliver finally confirmed that the goal would not stand and Varane has explained his thoughts on the situation.
"It was a long moment! I think it is the right decision. It is just a moment in the game and I think the spirit of the team was good," the former Real Madrid man added.
Ollie Watkins prodded the ball home from range minutes later but his goal was also not given due to Ings' starting the passage of play from an offside position.
United manged to hold on and register a crucial win given the recent morale around the club amid reports of a divided dressing room.
Recent rumours have suggested a number of United's players want to call time on their Old Trafford stay but Varane refused to be drawn in on the speculation when asked after the game.
Instead, the four-time Champions League winner responded: "We just have to be focused on our job. We have to fight, we have to fight for our fans. That is it."
