Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin says his team will have benefited from taking on a “physical” Carlisle United side.
Goodwin, whose side won 2-0 at Brunton Park, said he wanted to test his team against opposition with the Blues’ robust attributes.
And he was pleased with how his Scottish Championship outfit got the better of Paul Simpson’s League One new boys.
“It was the perfect way to finish the pre-season friendlies for me,” said Tannadice manager Goodwin.
“We wanted to finish with this type of game, because of the physical aspect of Carlisle – they’re quite a big team, big, strong boys, athletically very good, and that’s something we’re going to come up against next Friday against Arbroath in the league opener.
“They are quite similar – get the ball forward early, [to] a couple of big strikers up there that we’re gonna have to compete with.”
Dundee United scored twice in quick second-half succession and seldom came under threat from the Blues.
“I really enjoyed the game. I hope the travelling support enjoyed it as well,” said Goodwin, speaking to club channel DUTV.
“Defensively we looked really solid, there was a great shape without the ball, and in possession there was some really good attacking football.
“We got into some great areas, scored a couple of goals which is always pleasing, and the clean sheet is something we are continuously trying to work on.”
Goodwin also explained the tactical set-up which helped Dundee United get the better of the Cumbrians.
“We work hard on rotations, sometimes asking the full-backs to go higher and the midfielders to drop in, try and confuse the opposition,” he said.
“If everybody just stands in the one position it becomes far too easy for the opposition to mark them. We’re trying to put a bit of doubt in the opposition’s minds.
“Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but the more we do it and work at it, the better we’ll get at it.”
The Dundee United boss reflected further on the value of taking on a side such as Carlisle.
“We’ve done the club proud to come down to England, play a different kind of opposition, a team that’s just come off the back of promotion from League Two to League One,” he added.
“I spent eight years down here in the lower leagues in England and I know how difficult the standard can be.
“These guys always seem to be physically fitter and stronger and more aggressive than us. I think today is a really good experience for the younger members of the squad.
“We’ve got some terrifically talented players that need to physically develop and get better.”
Dundee United brought 738 supporters on the 165-mile trip to Cumbria and Goodwin saluted the backing.
“I was expecting maybe 300 tops, and we spoke about trying to make the trip worthwhile for the fans,” he added.
“None of us anticipated in excess of 700. I hope they enjoyed their day.”
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