COACH David Lee was proud of his new group of Wanderers under-18s after they opened the new campaign with a hard-earned goalless draw at Manchester United.

In a game of few chances for the Whites, they had to dig in to keep the Red Devils out and they achieved their aim superbly in the FA U18 Premier League North Group opener.

Demetri Mitchell saw an early shot hit the bar for the hosts and then Will Jaaskelainen in the Whites goal pulled off several fine saves to thwart the United forward.

Jaaskelainen picked up where he left off in the second half and another flying save to his left kept Paul McGuinness’ home team out again late on.

In the end, the Whites left the Aon Training Complex satisfied with a point. Lee said: “United had lots of possession in the first half, but we withstood the pressure.

“In the second half, we changed the formation to combat United and it worked for the team.

“We had better possession and created a couple of chances.

“The back four defended well and the midfield players worked hard to restrict them to just two or three chances.

“Overall, it was a good introduction for the new players into competitive football.”

Wanderers U18s host Blackburn in their first home game on Saturday at the Eddie Davies Academy, kick off 11am.