Midfielder Lewis Cook has been discussing United’s positive start to the season while away on international duty with England Under-19s.

Cook, part of Aidy Bothroyd's 20-man squad to face Germany and Croatia, linked up with the Young Lions squad earlier this week after playing a key role in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Derby County.

The 18-year-old returned to the starting line-up at the iPro Stadium and helped extend United’s unbeaten start to five games with a first victory of the new campaign.

"Four draws and a win sounds a lot better than four draws and a loss, so last Saturday was big for us," Cook told TheFA.com.

"We've started the season quite well and the training has been really good and I'm enjoying it."

Reflecting on his progress over the past year, Cook added: "I think it was 38 games I played in last season - it's mad when you think about it.

"I never thought I'd get that many games, but it was great for me and I felt I really came on.

"I think I've grown up a lot, especially in the Championship as it’s a proper man’s game there and really physical.

"I had to adapt to that quite quickly and I think that has put me in good stead for this year - hopefully I can really push on now."

Cook, who was a key figure in England U17s' European Championship-winning squad last year, has progressed through the age levels internationally and made his U19s debut in March earlier this year.

 "It was great to get that call for the higher age group," he said.

"I really enjoyed it and got a good game in, it's a shame I got injured, but it was good to mix in with the lads.

"It was a good test and I was glad I could experience a bit of that."

England U19s face Germany in Bergisch Gladbach on Friday, before heading to Zagreb to take on Croatia the following Monday as they prepare for next month’s Euro U19 Championship qualifiers.

Cook said: "It'll be tough, especially Germany. We've played them a few times before and they are a really good passing team.

"We look forward to tests like that though and I think it'll be really good for us.

"We have the qualifiers coming up so we will be using these games to make sure we are in the right shape for them."