United manager Simon Grayson was proud of his battling players after Wednesday's 0-0 draw at Newcastle.

United's excellent pre-season continued at St James' Park with a hard-fought goalless draw against a strong Newcastle side.

"It was another good test, but we kept a clean sheet," said the boss. 

"Newcastle were strong and with the team they had out it was a good peformance from us.

"We knew we would have to defend and had to make sure we were bang at it, and not concede goals.

"They had world class players out there, players who have commanded millions of pounds worth of fees over the last few years, and our players stood up to it.

"We knew it would be a test defensively, we wanted to be solid and hard to beat. Quite a few of their chances came from set-pieces, so I was delighted.

"If I had one criticism it would be that we gave the ball away cheaply early, but that was maybe settling in to who we were playing against and where we were."

While Leeds defended well for long periods, chances also came and went during the second half as United became stronger going forward.

"During the last 25 minutes or so we knocked the ball around well," said the boss. 

"We played some decent stuff and stood up to it well. Overall it was a good work-out with the ball and without it."

Grayson's men have now drawn games against Blackburn and Newcastle with the only goal conceded coming from the penalty spot in the final minute of Saturday's game against the Lancashire side.

"We've conceded one goal against two teams who were in the Premiership last season," added the boss.

"We're not going to come up against back-fours like we have done either so I am very pleased with what we're doing."

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