Kyle Bartley reckons that his development was helped by coping with different types of centre-forward in the success over Preston North End at the weekend.

In a new-look defence, the 19-year-old Arsenal loanee was partnered by Nyron Nosworthy in the heart of United's back-four after Chris Morgan picked up a calf strain in training.

North End started with the pace and power of teenager Joshua King alongside the guile of Paul Hayes and later introduced the power of Jon Parkin for Bartley and Nosworthy to contend with.

Bartley commented: "Josh is a good prospect from Manchester United, quick and strong, and it took us a while to get used to him. Paul is different again and I know what big Jon is all about - I was up against him in my first game for United when I joined on loan last season.

"There were good tests for us all but we coped well. It was an untried back four -we'd never played together as a unit - so to record a clean sheet and contribute to the victory is a big boost for everyone.

"As a team I think we can all take credit for our roles in the win. The lads were over the mood in the dressing room afterwards because it was important to get off the mark.

"The aim now is to work hard in training for the next couple of weeks and take the momentum into the Derby game after the international break."