Following his capture of Leon Britton Kevin Blackwell revealed that the acquisition would enable United to have the sort of platform they have not enjoyed in recent years.

You can see a short clip of the Blades boss talking about his signing to the right for free, subscribers can see the whole video exclusively on BladesPlayer.TV

Leon, a former West Ham product, may be slight in stature but punches above his weight in terms of challenging and stamina, yet it is his football ability that marks him out:

"This is a big signing for us and you only have to look at what some respected watchers have been saying about him, that he has been the best midfielder in the Championship for the last two years.

"As recently as January Wigan offered £0.75m for him and their manager Roberto Martinez speaks very highly of him.

"Last season in tight games we lacked the sort of player who could pick a pass to win a game, and I am doubly delighted to get him whilst he is out of contract because we ourselves have been victim to that on a few occasions.

"It looked like being a losing battle a few weeks ago when Premiership interest stalled our bid, but he looked at everything and said that he wants to come here."