While Chris Wilder's immediate concern, in terms of his personnel, is centred around the January transfer window and adding players who could bring a little hope to their chances of staying in the Premier League, in the slightly longer term he has a lot of work ahead of him.
A large number of United players will see their current contracts come to an end when this season finishes and while it is understood that negotiations have begun with some players, there are a lot to get through before we reach June and it's fair to speculate that some who have been pivotal to United's successes in recent years may be heading off for pastures new.
Not knowing which division the club will be in muddies the waters a little but Wilder will have been all too aware of this before he decided to make his return as manager.
"If I have to bring 15 players in, then that'll be the situation," he said in December. "If I have to do it, I have to do it. There's a reason they haven't signed the contracts. They might be offered something else, there might be a situation where I think these boys can't take us forward. They understand that as players, that's what happens.
"Of course in an ideal world we wouldn't like as many out of contract but it is what it is and this is still an incredibly attractive place to come and play football."
1. Adam Davies
Davies acted as United’s back-up goalkeeper to Wes Foderingham after moving from Stoke and after the arrival of Ivo Grbic is effectively third choice. Has played 11 times in all for United and at 31 you'd imagine still has a good few years left in him yet
2. George Baldock
One of the most obvious no-brainers for United to sort out, Baldock is known to have admirers in Greece after making his international breakthrough with Gus Poyet’s side and is still one of United’s most influential players after years of service. Now back fit again after his recent injury and will hope for a solid end to the season to further his case Photo: Michael Regan/Getty Images
3. Max Lowe
Has picked up a few niggly injuries in recent times and will miss the rest of the season after going under the knife to correct an ankle issue, dealing a blow to his hopes of earning another deal in an area the Blades are suddenly short of options
4. Chris Basham
A legend of the Lane currently rehabilitating after a horror injury sustained away at Fulham earlier this season. The defender turns 36 next summer when his contract runs out and recently admitted if he will ever play top-flight football again