Though United lost out to Aberdeen at Balgownie Playing Fields this afternoon, coach Dave Bowman was far from downbeat.
As he said, "This must be one of the youngest sides that we have ever fielded at this level with no less than seven of the side still eligible to play for the Under-17's.
"Even Neil Cooper, the Aberdeen coach remarked on how young a side we had.
"Yet, even without our three most experienced players - Gregg Burnett, Greg Cameron and David Goodwillie - we actually passed the ball around well.
"In the end though, the big discrepancy in ages and our lack of experience told.
"Defensive lapses didn't help with two of their three goals coming from set pieces.
"Overall, though, and particularly given the circumstances, I was pleased with how the lads played."
For the record, Aberdeen's goal came from Neil McVitie (13 minutes), Willie John Kiely (37) and Michael Panton (62).
United's well deserved consolation counter was scored by Robbie Feeney with five minutes left.
United: Gibson, Russell (McMechan 63), Donnelly, Fleming, McAleenan, Gray, Andreoni, Flynn, McCord (Milligan 63), Feeney, Jeffrey.
Sub not used: Mathieson.
Incidentally, given the cold weather, the pitch was in remarkablly good shape and this was the only Youth League fixture to go ahead this weekend.
Final score: Aberdeen U19 3 Dundee United U19 1