Cameron Toshack | Manchester United defeat a great learning experience

Swansea City Under-23s coach Cameron Toshack feels the development side will have learned a lot from facing Manchester United, despite Monday’s 4-1 defeat.

The young Swans saw their four-match winning run come to an end, as they were comfortably beaten by United at Landore.

The hosts had taken an early lead through Keiran Evans, but goals from Largie Ramazana and Wales under-21 international Dylan Levitt turned the contest on its head before half-time.

United then pressed home their advantage after the break, with further strikes from D’Mani Mellor and Aliou Traore sealing the win.

Toshack conceded that the visitors were deserving of their victory, but believes the experience is one his players will benefit from.

“It was an evening where the players will have learned a lot from the 90 minutes,” he said.

“There were moments in the game when we were on top, created good opportunities and moved the ball really well. That’s when you have to put opposition to the sword and get your reward for your work.

“We felt we were a little unfortunate to go in at half-time a goal down. We got into some great positions but lacked that clinical edge.

“To be fair to Manchester United, they showed their quality in the second half. They were a lot more effective – both with and without the ball – particularly in the first half an hour. Our boys couldn’t quite get a foothold in the game and, in the end, United ran out deserved winners.

“After they went 3-1 up, we had two really good opportunities from one-on-ones and didn’t score either of them. These are key moments in games that shift momentum and the way things go.

"Then, good players like what United have grow in confidence and run away with the game. 

“That was the biggest disappointment for us. We speak a lot about staying in the game when things get difficult and challenging for us. Towards the end of the game, we didn’t quite make things as difficult for them as we could have done.

“Very often, results follow performance levels. Unfortunately, against Reading away and Manchester United at home, our levels haven’t been anywhere near what we’re capable of delivering.

“Nevertheless, it’s a great learning opportunity for our young men. It shows that if we don’t play with our philosophy, these things will happen.”