United first team coach Glynn Snodin says competition for places is already hotting up as the countdown to the new season continues.

Simon Grayson's first team squad are currently preparing for the new campaign in Ireland and any memories of last season's Play-Off exit at the hands of Millwall have been firmly banished.

"That seems a long time ago now," said Snodin. "It's just great to be back. The lads are buzzing and really enjoying it.

"The message was 'forget what happened last season, but take the positives out of it, keep Elland Road as a fortess and move forward.'

"It's a different season and players come back fitter and stronger, and give themselves a better chance.

"They all want to play and that's how it should be. You need 20-plus players on the training ground who want a place.

"We've done a lot of planning while they've been off. Pre-season gets harder every year - the staff don't do the running now so we get it easier! - but as a player you relish it.

"We think we've prepared it right and the players seem to be enjoying it."

United kicked off with a 3-3 draw at York City on Sunday and the opening game of the Ireland tour ended 2-2 against Shelbourne at Tolka Park on Tuesday.

The next outing is in Belfast against Irish League champions Glentoran on Saturday.

"It's pre-season and it's a matter of building fitness," said Snodin. "Every week you try and step it up.

"There's been some good stuff in both games. If we're going to nit-pick there's been too many goals conceded and not enough clean sheets, but that will come.

"The first two weeks is more about fitness and conditioning. As we get nearer we'll decide who's going to be in that 11 and we'll work on more clean sheets.

"What we can do is start off well and stay in that top two or three all year."

See more from the club's Ireland tour only on LUTV...