United boss Garry Monk hailed his side’s defensive work following Saturday’s 2-1 friendly victory over Serie A side Atalanta.

Goals in either half from Chris Wood and Kemar Roofe ensured United’s pre-season campaign ended on a high note at Elland Road in their toughest test of the summer so far.

“We’re very happy with the result – you always want to have won your last game,” said Monk.

“The way that we’ve been with results have been good this pre-season.

“I thought we could have been a little bit better with the ball, to be honest – I didn’t think we were at our best with the ball.

“On the other hand, I thought we were very good defensively. I thought we limited a very good, tactical side.

“I thought we could have been a little bit braver with the ball but we had a lot of young players out there. I don’t want to single anybody out – I like it to be a team effort.

“I’m not disappointed, I just think we need to be that little bit braver with the ball.

“Pre-season has been very good for us and everyone has been working in a very good way.

“Everything that I’ve mentioned will come and we’ll get better and better. We’re dealing with young lads who just need that bit of belief in themselves – that will come.

“As we get results, then that confidence will start to show more on the pitch.”

Reflecting on taking to the home dugout at Elland Road for the first time, Monk added: “It was great, seeing the fans for the first time.

“You can see the passion that they have for the club but I knew that anyway. We appreciate their support.

“Hopefully we can get it going with good results and fill the stadium up – I’m sure the atmosphere will be great.”