Manchester United Women made it a winning start to pre-season with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at Carrington.
Goals from Leah Galton and Gabby George ensured victory in a game designed to ease Marc Skinner's side back into competitive action.
The Reds opted to use plenty of our Academy stars across the contest, which was played at a superb tempo from the first whistle and throughout.
Jessica Anderson, Keira Barry, Scarlett Hill, Sienna Wareing and Tamira Livingston all gained valuable minutes in a professional display.
It was decided by both teams that the game would be played in three 20-minute intervals, and the first was one of figuring each other out tactically.
Both sides battled for the ball and therefore, possession in midfield, with Evie Rabjohn producing a wonderful block to deny Georgia Mullett after 16 gone.
Phallon Tullis-Joyce was then called into action shortly after, as she dived to her right to make a smart stop from Ebony Salmon's effort.
As we paused and then quickly resumed, George won the ball high up and found Emma Watson, only for her strike to be easily gathered.
But soon after came the game's open goal came via Galton. Simi Awujo must be credited for her part in the build-up, albeit.
The Canada international stole back possession in the heart of midfield, before playing a wonderful pass to Galton, who raced through and dinked an effort over Ellie Roebuck.
Skinner continued to chop and change his side, with a whole host of Academy players getting a solid run out in the rare Carrington sunshine.
Rachel Day went close with Villa's best chance of the contest, as she could only watch as her right-footed strike flashed wide of the mark.
There was still time for one more, however, with the Reds doubling our advantage on home soil.
A brilliant free-kick from Watson found the head of George, who guided her effort into the top corner, much to the delight of her team-mates.
MATCH DETAILS
United: Tullis-Joyce, Janssen, George, Rabjohn, Riviere, Awujo, Miyazawa, Wareing, Watson, Galton, Anderson.
Subs used: Hill, Livingston, Barry.
Goals: Galton, George.