United's U18s ran out comfortable 7-0 winners against Rotherham United at Shirecliffe on Saturday, but boss John Pemberton maintained it was still an excellent workout.
Jordan Slew led the way with a hat-trick and Joe Ironside bagged a brace, in addition to further strikes from Harry Maguire and Connor Martin to leave Pemberton delighted with his youngsters:
"It was a very good performance and the most pleasing aspect was that we put into practice a lot of elements that we have worked hard on throughout pre-season.
"The clean sheet was also a positive and it gives us a good base to work from in the next two friendlies leading into the start of the season."
Pemberton, who is looking forward to his first season heading up United's much admired Academy, is pleased with the progress of his charges and feels the recent trip to Ireland helped that develop quickly:
"The time we spent in Ireland was ideal for me to get to know the players and vice-versa. It helped everyone feel at easy in each other's company and it focused the lads on the task in hand.
"The players were a credit to the club and themselves and it is something we will continue to do, because it has proved to be a massive positive."
The U18s are in action again on Tuesday, when they travel to Hull City, kick-off 11.30am.
