Cool Robson targets new Blades signing

Robson admitted that the result, which leaves United still searching for their first league win of the campaign, confirmed the need for at least one new signing before the transfer deadline.

But as the club prepare for one of the most important weeks in its history off the pitch, Robson brushed aside talk of an early season crisis by insisting it is only a matter of time before United start fulfilling their potential on it.

While Robson and his assistant Brian Kidd focus their energy on luring midfield reinforcements to Bramall Lane, United's board of directors are expected to convene another round of talks with Kia Joorabchian – the businessman who holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the Carlos Tevez Affair – following Thursday's announcement that they are suing West Ham for breach of contract after insisting the Argentine striker continued to breach Premiership rules governing third party ownership of players throughout last term despite Upton Park's claims to the contrary.

Joorabchian, whose firm MSI own Tevez, has indicated that he is prepared to handover documents implicating West Ham's new owners.

Robson has pledged his support for McCabe's efforts to win substantial compensation following United's demotion but with Lee Hendrie nursing a cartilage problem the former England captain is more concerned with ensuring his squad do not slip too far off the pace.

Robson said: "It's early days and I'm still sure that both of us will be right up there. I do want to bring someone in though – a midfielder – but only if they are capable of improving us.

Although the table makes disappointing reading for United - they are five points behind leaders Stoke – it would be foolish to read too much into the rankings after just two games.

United face another tough test when West Brom visit South Yorkshire on Saturday.