Jose Mourinho kept a watchful eye on proceedings as, with qualification assured, he ponders how to strike the right balance ahead of the weekend blockbuster clash with Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield.
Under-19 stars James Garner and Mason Greenwood worked with the main group and it will be interesting to see if they are kept with the senior party. Garner, who usually operates in midfield but performed excellently at centre-back in the Under-18s' 3-0 win over Chelsea last time out, does not turn 18 until March. Striker Greenwood top scored for the Under-18s last season as a schoolboy and is leading the way in the goal charts again, while also netting on his Under-23s debut against Wolves recently.