McNamara eyes pre-season benefits

United's season faltered after they sold Stuart Armstrong and Gary Mackay-Steven to Celtic on the final day of the winter transfer window, despite adding to their squad.

McNamara brought in a clutch of players including full-backs Paul Dixon and Ryan McGowan as well as strikers Henri Anier and Robbie Muirhead.

But they took only 11 points from a possible 45 from the start of February.

Nadir Ciftci has since made the same journey from Tannadice to Parkhead but McNamara has more new recruits in the likes of centre-backs Coll Donaldson and Mark Durnan, midfielder Rodney Sneijder and forward Darko Bodul.

And he approaches Sunday's Ladbrokes Premiership opener against Aberdeen brimming with optimism.

McNamara said: "It was difficult for us in January for different reasons.

"You can't go out and spend a lot of money to replace players, and you're relying on players getting up to speed quickly.

"The likes of Henri had come in without playing in Germany. Apart from match fitness, confidence is low with not playing. Dicker (Dixon) as well.

"McGowan's season had finished in China. And Muirhead was a different one altogether.

"Some can hit the ground running and some take a pre-season.

"The two full-backs in particular have been excellent in pre-season. They'll be like two new players.

"The centre-halves have done very well. And we've a new young goalkeeper, Luis Zwick, who I've got great belief in.

"I've still got a few decisions to make with regards to the starting line-up which is a good thing.

"There is strong competition within the squad and that's what we want to have."