Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara took some positives from Sunday night’s game in Germany despite seeing his side beaten 4-1 by Union Berlin.
The Tangerines were playing their first pre-season game while their hosts are just two weeks away from their first league game and McNamara admitted: “It was always more about getting a game than the result. I wasn’t expecting miracles tonight.”
The German side were 4-0 ahead after 68 minutes at the Stadion An der Alten Forsterei before debutant Brian Graham netted a fine consolation goal.
The manager added: “Although we lost four goals there were positives to take. They are well ahead of us in terms of preparation so it was always going to be tough.
“We looked rusty at times but the performances of Stuart Armstrong, Nadir Ciftci and Brian Graham getting a goal was great.
“There were glimpses of things I was happy with and that will get better with fitness.”
United expected a tough time and that was exactly what they got.
The Tangerines battled away, particularly for the first quarter of the game but they were eventually worn down by two goals from Slovakian international Adam Nemec and one apiece from Steven Skrzybski and Simon Terodde.
New signing Graham scored an excellent consolation goal on 70 minutes and that at least gave the group of away supporters something to cheer.
For McNamara the priority, of course, is getting his players ready for the new season and he will carry on that work on Friday when they travel to near the Polish border to take on Energie Cottbus.
And then it is on to Spain next week and a friendly against CF Cordoba.
For a full match report, see Monday’s Courier or try our digital edition.