Dundee United have the leeway to make another summer signing — but only if the ideal player becomes available.
Australia international Aziz Behich departed Tannadice on Saturday evening, with the Tangerines banking an undisclosed sum and freeing up space on the wage bill.
Charlie Mulgrew also left last week, while it is understood further exits — over and above the attempts to move on frozen out keeper Mark Birighitti — are possible before the closure of the transfer window.
Jim Goodwin has confirmed that United are able to add to their group but, with the United boss content with his options, it would need to be a capture guaranteed to improve the squad.
The Terrors have already snapped up Ross Docherty, Kevin Holt, Liam Grimshaw, Ollie Denham, Jack Walton, Louis Moult and Declan Gallagher for their Championship charge.
“There is definitely scope there to add another one,” explained Goodwin.
“I am very pleased with the state of the squad but if one player was to become available before the window closes — one who I thought was going to strengthen our group — then we are in a position to do something about that.
“But that’s not something that we are worrying about. The squad we have built is in good shape. We have good options all over the park.
“I want competition for places, but I don’t want to have too big a squad where it can become challenging to keep people happy. We’ll try to balance that properly.”
Best wishes
Goodwin, meanwhile, insists United were happy to respect Behich’s desire to return Down Under following an “extremely difficult” period away from his family.
The experienced full-back played no part in United’s pre-season or competitive action; remaining in his homeland for personal reasons. And his return to Melbourne City on a two-year deal was confirmed at the weekend.
“Of course, you are always disappointed to lose a player of Aziz Behich’s quality,” said Goodwin. “He was a very consistent performer for us last season and is a really good type; an international class footballer.
“However, we have to respect his decision and the reasons behind the move. He has been a long way from home for the last while and he wants to be back closer to the family to help them.
“Aziz made his feelings clear. Last season was extremely difficult for him, with some things going on with his family, and we wish him nothing but the best for this next chapter of his career.”
McMann of the match
The “disappointment” of Behich’s exit has been somewhat assuaged by the form of Scott McMann, who has been rejuvenated at left-back.
While the likes of Louis Moult, Mathew Cudjoe and Jack Walton have been spotlighted for their efforts, an argument can be made for McMann as United’s most impressive performer since competitive action resumed.
“The Scott McMann we are seeing is the Scott McMann I always remember playing for Hamilton,” lauded Goodwin. “He brings lots of energy, bursting up and down the left flank and produces quality from wide areas.
“Scott causes opposition teams problems but is also defensively solid. That’s the level we need him to be performing at week-in, week-out.”
He added: “I think everyone who was involved in last season — with the way it panned out — took a hit to their confidence.
“But there have been a lot of changes and I’ve made it clear to everyone that this is a clean slate. I want everyone to have self-belief and play with freedom, and Scott is certainly one who has embraced that.”
