The Border NPL outfit drew 2-2 with Melbourne City’s youth squad at the City Football Academy on Saturday, but were left to rue what could have been.

Thompson entered the game in the 57^th minute and showed he will have plenty to offer United throughout the year.

The former Socceroo was doubtful after last Thursday’s training session, but was given the all clear to join the squad by coach James Coutts on the eve of the fixture.

“We were playing it by ear and I had a chat with him Friday night and made the decision he was going to go on the bench,” Coutts said.

“The idea was to get some minutes under his belt and next week will be his first start for the club.

“He’s a class act with the ball so we’ve got to make sure we get him on the ball as much as possible in the areas we he can be dangerous.

“He showed those glimpses already in those small moments.

“He’s obviously a quality player and will have a really positive impact on the club.

“We also had Josh Kennedy there (on Saturday) as club ambassador and it’s great to have these two Socceroos legends part of the club.”

Coutts admitted he was frustrated not to come away with maximum points against the talented Melbourne City side.

“We certainly had chances to kill the game off and probably should have scored four or five,” he said.

“It was an open game and one I’m sure was good to watch, but we certainly felt we should have taken three points from it.

“There are loads of positives. We created so many chances, which we didn’t do as much against Box Hill.

“To play a side like Melbourne City, who will be thereabouts in their conference, and score two and should have scored more, is definitely pleasing.”

Former A-League striker Chad Bugeja put United in front at the half after scoring in the 24^th minute.

City equalised early in the second half, but Zac Walker found the instant reply with a clean finish in the 50^th minute.

The scores drew level again after 78 minutes and could have finished in a heartbreaking loss for the visitors if not for a desperate effort from Visa signing Fernando Posada, who came on after half-time for his club debut.

“Chad scored a good goal and he and Lewis Greenwood caused problems all day,” Coutts said.

“Zac (Walker) worked extremely hard out wide and Dunny (Ashley Dunn) was superb in the middle also.

“The back four were excellent considering they were coming up against some really good, young attacking players.”

United will push for its first win this season when it hosts Eastern Lions at La Trobe University next Saturday.