We spoke to Mike Williamson, ahead of the trip to Salford.
Speaking to CUTV, he said: “It’s been another good week to be honest. I thought the week leading up to the game was really good. I think casting our mind back, we had a full run-up before Harrogate as well, which was another positive performance.
“So yeah, it's good to get the contact time and the detail in the boys.”
Looking back at the positives from Saturday, he said: “We’ve got to use elements of it, yeah, certainly. I thought the heart, the resilience, the defensive display, certainly.
"The dynamics were difficult because of the sending off, which we've looked back at and it looks worse than it is. Again, I hadn't seen it before. I did the press and alluded to appealing, but yeah, now in hindsight, we'll leave that one.
“It’s a massive blow because Ethan's been huge for us and he will continue to get fitter and stronger."
United face a Salford side, who are unbeaten in five games. Williamson discussed what he was expecting, saying: “They are very, very organised, disciplined.
“They've got good players all over the pitch. They've got experience at the back and obviously Stockton, and Nmai on the wing. They want to get balls in the box.
“They absolutely load the box and they're really physical with it as well. I know Karl's an experienced manager and he knows how to get wins and they're in a good period. So yeah, it's going to be a tough, tough game."
United head to Greater Manchester with 1,300 Blues fans for company in a sold-out away end at the Peninsula Stadium.
“They'll be phenomenal I'm sure, and again, if we get that atmosphere and the feeling behind the boys like we did at the weekend, that'll be a good experience.”
We asked Mike about selection headaches, especially given the notable performances of Gabe Breeze and Tyler Burey against the Latics, he responded by saying: “I think I'll have quite a few selection decisions to make, but it's good because we want competition. I think that's really healthy.
“The hardest part is for the boys that aren't selected, but I think everyone knows that they're going to get opportunities and going to get game time and you've just got to be ready when called upon.”
On to injuries, Mike began with an update on Harrison Biggins and Ben Williams, saying: “Both are back in training. So it's just making sure that there's no reactions, but both look good in training."
On Jordan Jones, he added: “He’s progressing well. Obviously, he's somebody that we're desperate to get back and he's been on the grass today, which is really positive."
Charlie Wyke has also now had his surgery, following the injury he sustained against Cheltenham, Mike talked about that, stating: “It all went well, successful and yeah, we wish him a speedy recovery and I'll be in contact with him today, see how he is. Sooner he's back around the place, the better.”
On any other knocks from the weekend, Mike said there were no fresh concerns.
“Obviously it was a very demanding game at the weekend and a lot of minutes played. So we've got a few lads that we're still being a bit protective with and we might have late fitness tests on a few things, but other than that, no, we're all good.”
Mike also spoke on Rob Clarkson, the new Sporting Director, and how it’s been working with him this week, saying: “The conversations have been good and positive. They've been lengthy and obviously he's got a lot to assess and it's going to take time.
"The focus in his assessment is where we're at and my assessment and how we can just get the quick wins and put things into place and be as prepared as we possibly can be.”
