Steve Bruce hailed a performance akin to the "Andy Carroll of old" as he played down fears of an injury setback for Dwight Gayle.
Bruce saw his team put three past Crewe Alexandra after a week of intensive training at Newcastle's pre-season camp in York.
The training week in North Yorkshire replaced the planned trip to Portugal, with United having to rearrange their schedule due the coronavirus pandemic.
And he saw his team beat Crewe 3-0 in a game most notable for Carroll's eye-catching effort in the first half.
"Everything went well - it's put an end to a decent five or six days" Bruce said of the game. "Coming to an end of our trip in York we're very happy with it."
Carroll's performance and strike - which saw him tee up the ball from a crossfield pass before spinning and applying a volleyed touch - saw him trend on Twitter briefly.
The goal was viewed more than 100,000 times on United's social media feed and United fans will hope Carroll is on his way back.
Bruce said: "He was very, very good and scored a goal. It was the Andy Carroll of old, the goal. We know his qualities and the big thing is to stay well and to stay fit. He's worked ever so hard. Probably lockdown helped him and touch wood, he looks good."
On Gayle, he said: "That's the disappointing thing, Dwight's picked up a knock. We hope that's not too serious."
Mark Gillespie started while Dan Barlaser returned in midfield with the Newcastle Head Coach keen to take a look at him.
Bruce said: "For Dan, we always wanted to have a look at him. He's had a really good look at Rotherham and he's done OK."
