Alan Smith says United's Champions League massacre of Roma was
vital to the Reds' hopes of ending the season with
silverware.
Back to back defeats - in the first leg against Roma and on
Saturday at Portsmouth - had raised question marks over how United
would see out a thrilling season.
But the 7-1 mauling of the Italians, in which Smith scored his
first goal since November 2005, demonstrated the squad's resolve
and belief.
"I think for Manchester United it was vital," he told ITV Sport.
"It was a massive night for us in terms of how our season would
progress, to be honest.
"I think everyone knew that before the game. We came out of the
traps flying and blew them away."
The fit-again striker, who was back to his abrasive best against
the Giallorossi, now expects United to kick on for the remainder of
the campaign.
"It gives us a massive lift," he said. "After the first Roma defeat
and the defeat at Portsmouth, a lot of people thought that we were
a young squad with not a lot of experience in terms of winning
things.
"I think tonight showed we are up for that fight."