Tony Kallio, currently sidelined with a calf injury, could be the key as to whether United will enter the loan market.

Although none of the three players injured at Peterborough were defenders (Ward, Williamson and Evans), Kevin Blackwell's attempt to strengthen his attacking options rest with the on loan Fulham player:

"The problem is that I have five loanees already here and I can't play them all, which was a problem we had earlier in the season, too. If Tony Kallio is declared fit in a week or so then there would be no point in bringing someone in, but if he is out for a month it could be worth it."

There is a case for staying with the resources at his disposal, however because bedding new arrivals in has already contributed to the lack of consistency this season:

"I have already used 34 players this season and there isn't much time to try and get into each new player what we need to do so that he can fit in smoothly.

"That can really cost you, particularly in defence where organisation is vital, and you only have to look at last season to see what consistency in selection can do for you.

"We had probably the best defence in the Championship and Paddy Kenny, Kyle Naughton, Chris Morgan, Matt Kilgallon and Gary Naysmith each played around the 40 mark in league games alone.

"This time lads keep being thrust in there owing to injuries and are having to learn on the hoof, often coping with even more changes during games."