Utd Mad previews the squad prior to season 07-08

Zaluska - Unproven. Showed up very well in training/trials and should be better than Derek Stillie but time will tell.

McLean - Still inexperienced and was shown to be a bit out of his depth when made number 1 at Falkirk last season. A decent option as back up but still a good bit from being a number 1 in his own right.

Dillon - Fantastic signing, who apparently looked excellent in central defence against Dunfermline last week. Very strong player in the right back position.

Dods - Will bring some much needed stability to central defence. Question marks over his pace but his reading of the game should ensure that doesn't become too severe a problem.

Wilkie - Sensational last season once he got to top fitness. Will hopefully benefit form the full pre season and go on to have a tremendous season. Worry that he might be an old firm player by next season if he continues his good form of last year.

Kalvenes - Along with Dillon, a crucial part of a settled back four. A genuine left back that is clever enough to know when to tuck in and when to maraud forward. Good enough to give something to our team without the fear of losing him to a bigger club.

Kenneth - Massive season for Kenza. ~This could, ultimately, be the season where his career at Tannadice is decided. It is sometimes easy to forget that the laddie is still only 19, and I think he forgets that himself sometimes. Time is on his side but you just feel that if he doesn't cement himself in the team this season, he or the manager might feel it is time to try someplace else. Personally hope the laddie goes on to become club captain.

Proctor - Will be interesting to see if Procs get an opportunity at Tannadice this season. So many flaws in his game last season saw the manager shift him fairly quick after taking over. Now back at the club, possibly for one last go at making it at Tannadice.

Duff - Can't help but feel his time at the club has come to an end and a move to another club would benefit Duff as much as anyone else. Not as bad as some make out but in my opinion, doesn't have the desire or belief to make it at Tannadice.

D Robertson - Still potentially a massive player. There might not be anyone bettering Scottish football at timing runs into the penalty area and getting on crosses but he still has a lot to do to win over the majority of Arabs. Tends top fade in and out of games but should be looking to bring more consistency this season.

Gomis - What a find. Has the potential to be the outstanding midfielder at the club this season. Last season we saw glimpses of what he can achieve. Hopefully this season he will show us exactly what he can do.

Kerr - Still, despite many fans reservations, a vital cog in the midfield. His energy and ball winning attributes make him a vital part of the team - if he can just learn to simply win the ball and give it to a creative player to do the rest.

Cameron - Another who should be looking to kick on this season and cement his name as an SPL player. The lad has genuine ability but it must be harnessed correctly.

Easton - Stan has shown in glimpses his ability but this season is the one where he has to kick on and demand a place through performances.

Conway - A sensational find by Brewster and up until his injury, a vital part of United's attacking formation after Christmas. An old fashioned winger who loves to take defenders on. Can't wait to see him finally score a goal, he has been so unlucky on that count so far. Expect him to become a vital clog in the team this season.

Robb - On his day, tremendous. Injury problems again frustrated Steven in his quest to become a first team regular. Showed against Hearts at Tyne castle what he can do when fully fit and in the mood. Another with a big season ahead of him.

Robson - Our own true international class player last season - albeit the Scotland manager didn't see it that way. Has the ability to turn a game on his own and his shooting ability is top drawer. Can sometimes try to do too much on his own, such is his desire to drag the team up a level. Another season like last season might see the club cashing in on the club captains ability.

Flood - Season long loan signing. He should add significantly to the quality within the squad. Will give us a serious option on the right hand side of midfield but can play central if required.

Jon Daly - Found his feet after a mediocre start at the club before succumbing to a serious injury which will see him miss a large chunk of the start of the season. Showed enough to know he is a major aerial threat and an excellent link up striker. His injury is a blow to our preparations for a good start to the season.

Hunt - Scored some fantastic goals last season and his never say die attitude is admired by many fans. Lost his way a bit when Daly came in up front and Hunt was played wide. Will be hoping to get off to a flyer this season and prove he is the number one striker at the club.

Goodwillie - Massive season for the young lad. It looks as if he has slightly lost his way in recent months and has never really shined when asked to do a job for the first team. Been around the fringe for long enough to be now pushing for a genuine first team starting role.

Overall, Dods signing should mean we are well stocked for both experience and ability in defence - even if something happens to one of our other defenders. In midfield, the one obvious deficiency last season was the lack of ball winners in the middle. Gomis may be the man to provide that this season. It will also be expected that McCord and Andreoni start to exert pressure on those above them in the pecking order this season. Out wide we now have several exciting options with each a genuine match winner on their day. Up front is where the area of concern comes in. A few games near the end of the season we were relying on young Johnny Russell to come of the bench and we have still to fill a breach that was already there BEFORE Daly got injured. The players who have left the club were, in effect, deadwood so it is not a case that they needed to be replaced however we really need at least another striker.

In Conclusion, the players who came in at Christmas time have now experienced a full pre season training under the guidance of Levein and with that you would expect their game to raise a level. This, attached to the new signings who have came mean the club should be looking towards achieving a position within the league of between 4^th - 7^th.