Boss springs to defence of Blades duo

The long-serving duo's performances have come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks as Robson presses ahead with his search for midfield reinforcements.

But Robson is adamant that neither should be made a scapegoat for the series of poor away performances which mean United start this afternoon's game against Southampton in the lower reaches of the Championship table.

"There's more to come from Michael but then there's more to come from all of us," Robson said.

"People forget that he's still young and still a few years off what I would consider to be the peak of his career.

"I'm trying to improve us as a team and also improve us individually.

"But Michael is a good player to start with."

With Lee Hendrie set to return to league action following injury, Tonge could find he suddenly has more freedom to express the talents that once made him the most-sought after emerging footballer in England.

Criticism of Montgomery also seems particularly harsh given the fact that he has consistently put the team's well-being before his own by pledging to play on through a series of sometimes excruciating injuries.

"Monty said he would carry on until the end of the season," Robson added, referring to the player's recent operation to cure a double hernia problem.

"But he wouldn't have been doing himself justice.

"It does say something about his character that he was prepared to do it though."

Meanwhile, Southampton have signed Tottenham full-back Phil Ifil on loan.

The 20-year-old has signed in time to join the squad for today's match and is the third new defender to arrive at St Mary's within a week, following Christian Dailly's loan move and free agent Lucien Mettomo's arrival. "He will add to our defensive options," said manager George Burley.

Click for football rumours.