Caretaker Manager Gareth Ainsworth was quick to praise his players after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in the Carling Cup.

Carlos Tevez's late, late penalty clinched it for United, but Ainsworth could not fault his side's efforts.

"I was so proud of the boys tonight, as I always am," Ainsworth told www.qpr.co.uk.

"The passion was there - they did what we wanted them to do. We gave a good account of ourselves and we didn't get completely turned over."

Ainsworth conceded that his R's side were not as creative as their hosts, but felt, with a bit more luck, there could've been a touch of drama in the closing stages.

"We maybe could've nicked a draw at the end but Emmanuel (Ledesma) has been unfortunate and missed the target.

"I can't fault him though and that goes for all the players."

The undoubted star of the show was Radek Cerny and the gaffer was quick to praise his Czech keeper.

"Radek kept us in it at times, making some fantastic saves, but the back four, the midfield, everyone has defended like Trojans tonight.

"If we continue in that vain, we won't be too far short this season."

Ainsworth saved the last word for the travelling R's faithful, commenting: "What can I say?

"They were amazing. They sang their hearts out and I'm just sorry we couldn't reward their efforts with a victory.

"Having said that, I don't think they'll have any complaints with how we performed tonight."