Scottish centre back Ross Perry was delighted to come away with a clean sheet on his debut in what were difficult conditions for defenders.

“I was delighted to be given the opportunity to play, and it was a good three points and a good win.

“I’ve been patient and was really looking forward to the opportunity to get my chance,” said the on-loan Rangers defender, who was selected ahead of Rhys Day after Mark Creighton strained a hamstring.

“I’m delighted to get a clean sheet,” he said.

Manager Chris Wilder said: “I thought it was really difficult for the defenders because the ball was swirling about all over the place so their judgment had to be spot on.

“From Ross’s point of view, he’s played his part in a team that’s kept a clean sheet.

“Justin Walker’s a decent player for them at the top of the pitch, and Ross has not played with Fozzie at all.

“We’ve had a fantastic partnership there that has done us proud, with Creighton, who’s a big player for us. He stuck to his task.”

Wilder added: “It’s easy for me and supporters to be pretty critical of the quality of football from us, but that ball was constantly swirling about all over the place. And also, the players are that desperate to do well and to win, and to atone for last week.

“Everyone’s been wondering how we would handle a defeat, but we’ve again dug one out and got a result.”

United’s manager admitted, though, that he would like to see his attacking players be more efficient in front of goal.

“We had four or five great chances, and we’ve got to be more clinical,” he said.

“Jack and Cooky have both got to score. They should do with the talent they’ve got, and then it would have opened the game up.”

“But as I said to the players afterwards . . . don’t turn down a win.

“We’re not disappointed with the result, we’re just a touch disappointed with the way we played.

“We know we’re better than that.

“But sometimes, in late November, when the wind gets up and conditions are poor, that’s a test of champions and I thought we showed a good side to us in terms of our desire to win the game.”