Phil Jones says the Manchester United players are still learning Louis van Gaal's system but adds they are ready for the new Premier League campaign.

The defender was named man of the match as Van Gaal won his first game at Old Trafford, beating Valencia 2-1 thanks to a stoppage-time goal from substitute Marouane Fellaini.

Jones said: "It was a great game for us to test ourselves against a top Valencia team. They caused us a few problems, but we worked well and battled well. We could've played better in stages, but we deserved to win.

"It's been a great pre-season for us. We're learning a new system, we're still learning but we're enjoying it. We're looking forward to the start of the season now.

"It was the boss's first game here and the first game for a few of the young lads too.

"I thought they were terrific and that stands us in good stead for the season."

United will be back at Old Trafford on Saturday for their Barclays Premier League opener against Swansea, the first true test of Van Gaal's overhaul.

Wayne Rooney had missed a penalty last night before Darren Fletcher's deflected shot put United ahead early in the second half. Rodrigo Moreno then capitalised on Tom Cleverley's mistake to level, but Fellaini, who had come on alongside fellow Belgian World Cup player Adnan Januzaj, had the final word.

But while Jones seemed positive, Van Gaal was less impressed with United's display even if he could take confidence from the final outcome.

"I think it was our worst match," he said. "There were a lot of wrong choices, wrong passes.

"We didn't press so good, but I think Valencia is a very good team, very comfortable on the ball and not so easy to press against.

"In spite of that we have dominated the game and only for 15 minutes in the second half were we not dominating. I think we were the winners because we were fighting until the last minute and that is a good signal.

"We are at this moment fitter than our opponents and you could see that and also the substitutions helped.

"Fellaini and Januzaj have only been with us one week.

"They did reasonably well, but can do better I believe. But it is a start for them and also there were four debuts.

It's not easy to play at Old Trafford for the first time so I'm pleased with how they have done against a very good team."