Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag was impressed with the youngsters who headed to Spain alongside his non-World Cup internationals for warm-weather training and two games.
That's according to U18s lead coach Travis Binnion, who oversaw a 3-1 win for the next generation against Crystal Palace as they kicked-off their FA Youth Cup defence in telling fashion on Sunday afternoon. Maxi Oyedele, Manni Norkett and Sam Mather settled that tie for the 11-time champions.
Oyedele had only just landed back in the UK before opening the scoring at Selhurst Park after taking his chance to mix it with first-team regulars such as David de Gea, Victor Lindelof, Anthony Martial and more. He was not alone in doing that, either, as Binnion proudly looked back on a "top week" for United's academy prospects.
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Generally speaking, those who headed across to Europe with Ten Hag and his squad were from older groups, while Oyedele and the U18 teammates involved virtually headed straight for South London on Sunday afternoon. But that was, ultimately, worth it to underline their development in different situations.
During his post-match interview, Binnion told club media: "Our lads get opportunities every single day in training to go with first-team players and staff. What was really pleasing for me was the feedback.
"They gave a really good account of themselves and not just for the games. Games are the easy bit, but in terms of across the week, they were professional, good around the scenes and applied themselves really well.
"Ultimately, that is what is going to give them the best chance of having a good career. Days like this add to those experiences and add to their bank of knowing what they have got to do to win games.
"That is what matters, the manager referred to that and at this football club we have got to win games on a regular basis and in all sorts of different ways. It has been a top week."
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