Background knowledge played more than a small role in Bryan Robson landing Lee Martin on loan until the end of the season from Manchester United.

The Blades boss, in addition to his conversations about the player with Sir Alex Ferguson, revealed that he has long been aware of the young winger's progress:

"I have taken notice of him since Manchester United took him from Wimbledon and had to pay a substantial compensation figure - they were impressed enough with him even at that early stage to pay out.

"Since then I have seen him in the Reds' reserve and youth teams, including a couple of reserve fixtures early this season, one against Manchester City."

Martin has had considerable loan experience already and Robson is quite clear about what he expects of the newcomer between now and the end of the season:

"He's young, energetic, quick and makes runs into the box to try and score. I just felt that we need that bit more directness from players in wide positions.

"Lee has had a very successful loan period at Plymouth and will be a good asset because he is very comfortable with both feet."

On the back of his second raid on the transfer market so far Robson is confident that he is approaching the squad quality that he has craved in recent weeks:

"I have said already that going into the New Year with Lee Hendrie and Rob Hulse back towards full fitness is like signing two new players, and with the arrival of Lee and Gary Speed last week there is now very good competition in the midfield area."