Dundee United have already been busy in the January transfer window, signing Danish striker Thomas Mikkelsen on loan from Odense. There was certainly plenty of activity in the summer and Courier Sport takes a look at how 10 of those recruits for 2016/17 have fared.
* Stewart Murdoch. Struck up a solid midfield partnership with Willo Flood early on but has been hampered by injury until the last few weeks.
* Cammy Bell. My pick as the club’s best signing of the summer. Goalkeeper had been a problem position for United but Bell has been excellent, with the obvious highlight his hat-trick of penalty saves at Dunfermline.
* Tope Obadeyi. Some may be surprised to learn that he has made 16 starts for the team this season, as well as seven sub appearances. It seems fewer than that and he has contributed only two goals. He looked lively coming off the bench against Hibs last Friday.
* Tony Andreu. Probably the most talented player at Tannadice and would be one of the first picks in a Championship select. Has been a terrific signing on loan from Norwich and United are fortunate to have him. If I were being picky, it would be nice to see him dominate games more often as he has the ability to boss matches.
* Lewis Toshney. Another player who has suffered through injury. Is a whole-hearted, hard-working player who can fill different positions. Can help get the team up the park but has had his off-days too.
* Willo Flood. The wee Irishman has had some tremendous matches this season and the odd bad one as well, with the other night at Easter Road coming to mind when his distribution deserted him. Overall, though, his workrate and experience have benefited the team.
* Cammy Smith. Like Obadeyi, he has been on the fringes of the side rather than an integral part of it, although he has played 23 games – including a dozen as a sub – and contributed five goals. Was excellent in the Betfred Cup win over Partick Thistle at Tannadice in August but hasn’t reached that high standard since.
* Nick van der Velden. Has looked the part technically, as any former regular in the Dutch top flight should. Has been asked to lead the attack a lot of the time when he isn’t a striker, scoring just three goals. Almost seems like he can step up another gear.
* Frank van der Struijk. United have missed the Dutchman since November 19 because of injury and they definitely could have done with him against Hibs. He started off in the middle of the backline but the defence has looked at its most solid with him at right-back.
* William Edjenguele. The big defender has been one the true successes of the season for United. He has followed through on his signing-day promise to defend first and foremost – nothing fancy. He has played a key role in Mark Durnan’s improvement alongside him.
