Bristol City win over Manchester United marks start of new era, says Robins owner Steve Lansdown

Bristol City owner Steve Lansdown heralded the “start of a new era” at the club after their stunning EFL Cup quarter-final win over Manchester United.

The Robins will face Manchester City in next month’s two-legged semi-final after Korey Smith struck a stoppage-time winner to earn a 2-1 victory and their first success over United since 1978.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic had earlier cancelled out Joe Bryan’s superb opening goal but City prevailed, continuing a fine season following promotion from League One in 2014-15.

Now riding high in third place in the Championship and with another huge cup tie ahead, Lansdown, who has overseen the £45million redevelopment of City’s Ashton Gate ground, said: “It is the best at the moment in our history because it is the current one and it is the start of a new era in the football club. It is fantastic. What a game.

“What a performance the guys put up. Two fantastic goals and to win it like we did in the dying seconds, that’s the best way to win any game because you are virtually there when you get it.

“And we are in the semi-final of the cup with Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and us — the four best teams in the land!”