Manager Ray McKinnon believes that competition for places will make Dundee United stronger.

The former Raith boss has assembled a squad he can call his own at Tannadice, bringing in no less than 10 bodies since his appointment on May 12.

The former midfielder's host of summer recruits have bolstered the squad and as a result there is a heightened competition for places.

The key, according to McKinnon, is harnessing that competition and allowing the side to gel properly.

"It does take time, "McKinnon reflected. "When you're adding three new players to the squad it doesn't happen instantly.

"That trust and relationship building - it does take time, it's not going to happen overnight.

"We knew that by taking our time over the summer to amass this squad that it was going to take time for them all to gel.

"Come Christmas, come the end of the season, you'll see the real Dundee United.

The Terrors find themselves seven points adrift of promotion rivals Hibs, and five back from Raith and Queen of the South at this stage, however McKinnon is pleased with performances and understands that the squad will take time to settle.

"I think we've played really well almost every game this season," McKinnon said.

"We've been adding players at different points in the season, even up until last week. So it's going to take time for these players to gel, build partnerships and relationships.

"I think moving forward, from now on in, we are just going to get stronger and stronger this season."