Some decisions are black and white - get your 2008/09 Derby County season ticket secured!

"Meet the old Robbie Savage" - that was the skipper's message to Rams fans after his best performance to date in a Derby County shirt. 

"That was an Incredible game played in a fantastic atmosphere," Sav told RamsWorld after the stirring 1-0 home defeat against Manchester United.

"To come out and play today without any fear was a credit to all involved because it's been tough - much harder than I thought it would be.

"I said to the boys before the game, 'let's just go out and enjoy ourselevs'.

"On a personal level I felt like the old Robbie Savage. I am a human being and take the nasty things people write about me to heart. It was still a defeat and I'm disappointed about that but it was good to be able to show the Derby fans that I can still contribute.

"Even when my name was read out today before the game it was half cheers and half boos, but hopefully today I have done okay.

"They have given me some stick, and I deserved that, but I have read so much rubbish in the papers recently. I'm a normal decent lad and yes I've been rubbish since I came here and I have questioned myself, but to play like I did today was great and showed people I can still do it.

"People will probably say it was Man U at home and our cup final, but I've had 11 years in the Premier League now and I know it's against the likes of Middlesbough away and Fulham at home where we will really show what we can do."

And the Sav added with a smile: "Match of the Day will probably show all Man U's chances like they usually do, but people who saw the match live will know that we got some pride back and I have proved I can still do it against the best team in the world.I am proud of being captain of this great football club - they have had many great captains down the years and I know I have lots more to prove, especially coming from Leicester!

"I have been carrying niggles since I arrived at Derby but today for the first time I was pain free. Yes I have heard people say my legs have gone so it was nice to prove a few people wrong today.

"I said to some of the boys out there today it might be the last time some of us play against Manchester United, because I will be in my 36th year when hopefully we come back. I knew it would be difficult when I joined this club but I didn't appreciate it would be as hard as it has been.

"But then you have days like today and hear those fans and you realise it's a great club. It's about self belief now and dignity and today gives you hope again and shows what we can do."

Manager Paul Jewell said of his skipper's performance: "Today might be a little breaktghrough for Sav. He comes across as brash, but he can lack condifence and he will love to have heard the fans chant his name.

"I'm pleased for Robbie - he's had a tough time since he came here and he needs to use this performance as a springboard into the next match."

Picture: Action Images / Michael Regan Livepic

Some decisions are black and white - get your 2008/09 Derby County season ticket secured!