Gary Speed is totally convinced that summer signing Leon Britton will prove to be the signing steal of the summer.

The former Swansea man arrived for nothing having been out of contract and with a reputation for being able to set the tone, and the United boss says:

"He is such a good player that we want to get him on the ball as much as possible, whether or not he plays off the back four or further forward. Leon can play both roles and the one he plays depends very much on the personnel around him.

"Maybe he is better in a three because that is where he has played most of his best football as one of the best two or three midfielders in the division. But because his workrate is excellent he could do it in a two."

Speed, having made some high-profile transfers during his own playing career, believes that onlookers should acknowledge that players should be afforded a period of re-adjustment before being expected to produce their best:

"It took me along time to adjust when I moved to Everton and Newcastle so we have to give him time to do that here.

"Consequently our fans need to be patient because of that, although I am certain won't be fazed by anything."