TWO defeats in the space of three days left Keith Hill questioning the merits of pre-season friendlies against top-class opposition.

Rochdale lost out 4-1 to a strong Everton line-up on Saturday before a 2-0 defeat at the hands of a young Manchester United XI on Monday evening.

Results count for nothing at this stage and there was no disgrace in losing to such illustrious opposition. But in terms of preparing Dale for the League Two campaign ahead, Hill suggested the exercise had limited value.

"The opposition were absolutely tremendous in both games and it’s very difficult to play against those type of sides," he said. "They keep the ball so effectively and they have exceptional players individually and collectively.

"When it comes to results, we are bottom of the pre-season table. I’m not sure such games bare any relevance to what we are trying to do during the season. It’s left me frustrated and the players are frustrated.

"Next season I don’t think it will suit us to play those type of games. Perhaps we’ll have to play one, because the club want the kind of revenue that comes from playing the likes of Manchester United and Everton. But when you look at the previous two pre-seasons, we played games that were relevant to where we want to go with respect to the teams we play against in our division.

"The matches against Everton and Manchester United have been good work-outs but they have no significance when you consider the type of opposition we will face when the season starts.

"The United match was already arranged before we arranged the Everton fixture, and to play the two in three days was a big ask.

"I made mistakes playing the majority of the side who started against Everton and they looked visibly tired on Monday. That’s probably my fault for over-training them and arranging two fixtures in such a short space of time against quality opposition. It’s important now that we give the players enough rest and use the last few pre-season games to good effect."