United's search for a playmaker

With Lee Hendrie's damaged cartilage upsetting the equilibrium of United's midfield - the new arrival from Aston Villa is expected to spend another five weeks on the sidelines after undergoing an operation - Robson has once again been forced to scour the transfer market for someone to add vivacity to the squad.

But, as his previous forays have highlighted, the modern game's preference for athletes rather than artists has made such gifts a particularly precious commodity which, when unearthed, means it inevitably gravitates towards the top-flight.

Wigan's Kevin Kilbane and Plymouth's David Norris have been mentioned in dispatches but Robson, and his counterparts at other clubs for that matter, hardly have an abundance of names to choose from.

Barring a dramatic breakthrough, United are unlikely to have their man in place before the visit of Robson's former club, West Bromwich Albion, tomorrow.

It is a match the manager will be desperate to win, not only to prove a point to a board of directors who dispensed with his services last season, but also because victory over a team strongly fancied to challenge his own for one of the automatic promotion places should prove the catalyst for a positive run of results.

There may have been consent when Robson departed The Hawthorns but sources in the Black County confirm it was not as mutual as was portrayed at the time.

However the presence of Michael Tonge, who could yet emerge as the man to fill the void created by Hendrie's absence, means that United can afford to consider their options fully before next week's deadline for new signings.

Tonge possesses the tools to do the job - respect for possession and the know-how to beat a marker - but has assumed other responsibilities during the course of the past few seasons.

Ian Ross, one of the most gifted youngsters to graduate from the youth academy at Shirecliffe in recent years, could provide another in-house option but despite an impressive performance during last month's friendly at Alfreton he is still considered a long-term project.

Likewise some of the possibilities which exist in the lower divisions.

Pace will be high on Robson's checklist when he considers outside candidates but speed of thought should be the ultimate test by which to judge the player who will be charged with orchestrating operations in United's engine room.Focus on the men most likely

DAVID NORRIS (Plymouth Argyle): Tireless performer for The Pilgrims, with an eye for goal. Previously attracted interest from Ipswich Town and Southampton who are both understood to have had bids of around 600,000 turned down. Has previously been linked with Bramall Lane but Plymouth will be loathed to sell - particularly to another Championship club.

KEVIN KILBANE (Wigan Athletic): Appears to be one of Bryan Robson's preferred options. Would offer a good attacking option down the flanks and is a player of international pedigree. Also quick on the ball. But Wigan are clearly keen to retain his services and so it could take an over-the-odds offer to persuade them to part company.

RONNIE WALLWORK (West Brom): Again, not the ball playing midfielder United crave but his presence could allow others to perform this role. Would jump at the chance of resurrecting his partnership with Robson after slipping down the pecking order at The Hawthorns. Knows the area well after spending time on loan at Barnsley and, again, is vastly experienced.

THOMAS GRAVESEN (Celtic):

May be regretting his decision to spurn United's advances earlier this summer after failing to make an impression on the first team at Parkhead so far this term. Not known for his prowess in the opposition penalty box but physical presence could allow others to perform this role.

SCOTT SINCLAIR (Chelsea):

Confirmed his status as one of the brightest talents in the game during a loan spell at Plymouth last season. Unlikely to put his foot on the ball and spray a series of defence splitting passes across the forward line. Instead, the Stamford Bridge prospect prefers to leave markers trailing in his wake. Enjoys playing out wide.

CHRIS EAGLES (Manchester United): Knows South Yorkshire inside out having previously represented Sheffield Wednesday on loan. Possess plenty of experience for his age and is reaching the stage of his career where first team football is a must. However, recent appearances for Sir Alex Ferguson's side could make it difficult to tempt him away.

CLAUS JENSEN (Unattached):

The Dane would welcome the opportunity to represent a club with good passing principles having complained that he was forced out of Fulham by the new regime's preference for a more direct style. Boasts over 40 international caps but a period of inactivity since leaving Craven Cottage is likely to count against him if potential employers want a quick fix.

ANTHONY LE TALLEC (Liverpool): Well known to the South Yorkshire fans following his majestic midfield display for a France Youth XI at Barnsley a few seasons ago but has since been used as a striker. Joining Liverpool should have been the catalyst for the youngster to realise his potential but his time on Merseyside had proved less than successful and Rafael Benitez could do business. Sochaux are also interested.

DANNY MURPHY (Tottenham Hotspur): Experienced, eager and cool on the ball, the former Liverpool midfielder would be a popular choice among the United support. First team opportunities have proved hard to come by in the capital and the uncertainty surrounding Martin Jol's future could be exploited by United. But it would take a lucrative package to persuade him to drop down to the Championship.