United's determined search for reinforcements resulted in Kevin Blackwell being kept away from his players on Thursday for precisely that reason.

On Wednesday he concluded a deal to bring long time target Nyron Nosworthy to the Lane on a season long from Sunderland, and a day later he was intensifying the recruitment process.

United's players and management today visited the Grand Prix circuit at Silverstone where they piloted an advanced drivers safety programme for Porsche.

The United manager was unable to join them but Assistant Manager Sam Ellis gave an insight into exactly how transfer plans are shaping up, with the emphasis clearly on ability rather than just upping the numbers:

"Kevin is away talking to some people about players. We have signed seven so far this summer, would like two or three more, and are trying to hold our nerve, but it takes time.

"We managed to tie up the Nosworthy deal on Wednesday, but the search continues and we are looking at quality additions.

"The players are looking well and have responded positively to pre-season. We had a good get together and training camp in Malta which improved the mood and togetherness, and our chances will be helped further by bringing in more quality.

"Numerically, we aren't where we want to be, but in terms of quality we are looking very good and we want to add to that.

"We want a full squad together during pre-season as much as possible and we need these other targets now. If we can get them in over the weekend then we have two weeks to work with them before the new season starts."