United manager Simon Grayson has declared himself more than happy with the way his squad's pre-season trip to Ireland is shaping up.

The squad arrived on Monday lunchtime and played the first game against Shelbourne on Tuesday night.

They are based in the Dublin area and monsoon like conditions at training times have failed to deter the manager and his staff.

"It's been excellent so far," said the boss. "We had a good flight out here, good accomodation, and things are going well.

"We had two good training sessions on Monday and Tuesday and in a way we've been fortunate with the weather because it has poured down!

"That's good from the point of view that the pitches are soft and it reduces the risk of any injuries."

The boss has taken a 23-man squad to the Emerald Isle and says the time away as a group is a vital part of his preparations.

"We can do all the training we want at Thorp Arch but when you're away it gives you a bit more," he explained. 

"The players are eating together, sharing rooms together, and they get to know more about themselves and their team-mates

"That's important because you have to trust each other and the more trust and the more friendships there are the more it helps as a team.

"You get to know people and have that spirit. You do develop relationships. They are the things that see you through the hard times.

"Team spirit carries you forward throughout the season."

Beyond the training ground, groups of players will also be attending Leeds On The Road events in Dublin, County Laois, and Belfast to meet fans.

"We are doing different exercises," said the boss. 

"We've got three Leeds On The Road events and we have plenty we can do as a group, but the most important thing is the training and the games."