Manager Pep Clotet was quick to praise the work ethic as United hit back to claim a point at Southend on Saturday.
Trailing at a ground where United don’t have a great record, Wes Thomas got the U’s back on level terms to leave the U’s with a useful draw at Roots Hall.
“It was because of a lot of character and a lot of hard work” Pep told iFollow. “On a cold day we made the most of it - not just us but all the fans as well. Everyone put in a lot of effort and I think we got the point we deserved.
“We went a goal down at a ground where the club has struggled for a few years. They scored a good goal which made it very difficult for us but we have our resources and are good going forward so we know that if we stay in the game then it’s only a matter of time until we will get our football going and we get out chances. Wes took the goal well to prove that.
“A point here is useful. A lot of good teams have lost here already this season and Southend haven’t lost at home. You have to try and pick up points at tough places like this- like the win that we had at Oldham. Every point counts in the league. If we can keep hold of the point we have at the start of every game and keep hold of that competitive edge then it will always make a difference.”
Pep was pleased with the contribution from midfielder Xemi Fernandez on his full league debut:
“He deserved to play and had an opportunity to show what he could do” Pep said. “He realised quite early that it wasn’t the type of game he maybe expected for his debut but he helped the team and I’m happy for him.”
With no game on Saturday United flew out to Barcelona yesterday for a week’s training camp.
“There will be some bonding but we are also very focussed on turning all those little mistakes we made into positives” Pep said. “I have a long list of things I want us to work on this week. The great things is that all the staff and players want to crack on this week and work hard to try and do as much as possible while we were away.”
See the whole interview plus Highlights in iFollow