For the last three years or so, he has been on the books of big-spending Manchester City, but has decided to come north in search of first-team opportunity.

And, despite his new acquisitions, tender years and the calibre of competition he’ll have, boss Peter Houston is looking for Mentel to challenge his countrymen.

“He was obviously a very highly-rated youngster or he would not have ended up at Manchester City,” said Houstie.

And our goalkeeping coach Stevie Banks has now done a bit of work with him and recommended we take him.

“Obviously, Dusan is our No. 1 and a really quality goalkeeper, but I’ll be looking for Filip to push him hard.

“And don’t forget, Stevie is still a signed player who showed near the end of last season when he came into the team that he can still play at a high level, so he’ll still challenging as well.”

Mentel’s arrival continues a recent run of Eastern European goalies at United, the obvious exception being Englishmen Nicky Weaver, who starred during the first half of last term.

Before him, Poles Gregorz Szamotulski and Lukasz Zaluska starred, and, after him, Pernis caught the eye.

Houstie didn’t attempt to explain why that part of the world is producing so many top-quality keepers — he’s just happy a string of them have been heading for United.

“They’ve all done very well when they’ve come here and, if Filip proves to be anything like as good, we will be more than happy,” he said.