YORK City manager Terry Dolan declared few complaints but lessons learned and memories earned after a mighty Manchester United defeated his Minstermen 2-0, writes Dave Stanford.

"If you look at the movement Manchester United have got, that is what everyone has got to aim at," enthused the City boss after Saturday's pre-season friendly at Bootham Crescent.

"The movement off the ball was unbelievable. I'm sure it was an education for everybody.

"That is probably their first pre-season game but we weren't playing against only half a team but virtually, with the exception of two, maybe three players, their full strength team.

"That is great credit to Manchester United for bringing them here but credit too to our players for sticking at it.

"We are not going to be playing against that sort of opposition every week next season and we cannot make comparisons or be too critical because we were playing against a very good team.

"From a defensive point of view we stuck at it, we didn't get overrun. They missed a few chances and Alan Fettis made quite a few saves but you expect that.

"And from a fitness point of view it has done them the world of good and mentally the players know they have been in a game.

"We did create two or three chances and while we didn't put them away it was encouraging. The shape of the team looked good even with the changes we made which was encouraging as well."

Despite City's first defeat in their pre-season programme, the York manager said the result was not all important.

"I told the players to treasure the memories because it was a great experience for them.

"I made a point of making sure every one of the 18 got some sort of run out because when they do finish their careers they can say I played against one of the best teams in the world, even if it was only a friendly match.

"I think that was what the whole day was about and I think everybody has gone away quite happy."

The City manager admitted he was also delighted with the attitude of the senior players who missed out on last week's trip to Keele University and match against United.

In his absence, a mixture of first teamers and youth players had recorded 5-1 wins over both Harrogate Railway, on Tuesday, and Selby Town on Friday.

A hat-trick from Marc Williams, an own goal and a Colin Alcide strike saw City comfortably through against the Robins.

"Two wins like that are saying to me that the lads who have not been with us don't want to be forgotten which is also encouraging and is what I want."