Zak Whitbread: Town should be proud
Defender Zak Whitbread reckons Shrewsbury Town should be proud of their FA Cup exploits despite the disappointment of last night's exit to Manchester United.
The centre-back believes Micky Mellon's men simply ran into 'world class' opposition in the Red Devils.
United departed Greenhous Meadow 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Chris Smalling, Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard.
Town had been the lowest ranked team left in the competition ahead of the fifth-round tie.
Whitbread said: "There was a lot of optimism before the game but they showed the different levels they can go to.
"We are not too disheartened, they are a world class team. Of course, we are disappointed to lose but I don't think we disgraced ourselves.
"Fair play to United, they are a world-class outfit. It is a week we have enjoyed. It is nice to take part in, with all the media attention.
"We have done well to get this far. However many teams go into the FA Cup, we have to be proud of ourselves to get here."
Under the cosh from the opening whistle, Town held out until the 37th minute before Smalling broke the deadlock and Mata added the second on the stroke of half-time.
Whitbread believes Town can take encouragement for the way they kept battling during the second half despite the tie being lost.
He said: "We could have dropped our heads. The third one has gone in, but we kept at it.
"The midfield lads have put in an unbelievable shift. They had to stick with runners, we left everything out there.
"It is difficult, we had a bit of a go in the second half and had a couple of chances. When you get knocked out by Manchester United, you have to hold your hands up."
