That’s a situation which could change over the next few weeks, but only if they convince Chis they can do a job.

And, given the current economic climate, the manager feels it’s wise to be cautious.

He said, “I’m not going to get rushed into any signings just for the sake of it. I’m going to have a good look first and I’ll have to be 100% sure before we sign anyone.

“Let’s be honest, things are tight out there and it’s a buyer’s market, so I’m not too bothered about the situation at the moment.”

The manager will once again fill his side with trialists tomorrow as his men take on MK Dons in a bounce game.

“It's a wee bit frustrating for the lads here, because they are all keen to be involved,” continued Chis.

“But they understand the situation. I already know what they can do and it’s important I see the trialists in a game.”

One signed player who will be involved at some stage is Pat Clarke.

“Pat needs some game time,” added Gordon.

Meanwhile, the manager is hoping Dominic Shimmin will be able to step up his workload next week.

The defender, signed from Morton, has missed most of the training so far due to an Achilles problem.

“Dominic has been doing a bit of work with the physio, but, hopefully, he’ll be able to join the rest of the boys on Monday,” said Gordon.

And the 20-year-old made it clear he will be looking to seriously challenge fellow-countryman Dusan Pernis for the No. 1 jersey next season.

He said, “After the season Dusan’s had, it will be difficult, but I will do my best and see what happens.

“It will be up to the coaches if I get any chance and, if I do, I will do my best — I don’t want to let anyone down.”

Although City can boast some of the biggest names in world football, Mentel stressed the lure of playing first-team games with United and possibly playing in Europe was too big to turn down.

He continued, “It was an easy decision because Dundee United are a big club and it’s a great opportunity for me to show what I’ve got.

“I was at Manchester City for nearly five years and I feel UK football is the best in the world.

“It’s really, really tough and it’s faster than in Europe, so I’m loving it here.”

The Slovakian spent a period on trial with the Tangerines last season and that played a big part in his decision to join.

“When I was here before, the players and coaches were brilliant with me, and Dusan is here as well, which helps.

“I’ve been training for a couple of weeks, but it’s a new experience, so, hopefully, I will start as well as I can.”

As for the prospect of being involved in the Europa League, he added, “I’m really excited about it. Hopefully, we will get through the first play-off games and qualify for the group stage.

“That would be perfect for United fans and for everyone who has worked for the last couple of seasons here.”

Mentel is set for a quickfire debut as he will be in the party tomorrow which travels to the Oban tournament.

The 20-year-old will be involved at some stage in the round-robin games against St Johnstone, Hearts, Hamilton, Alloa and hosts Oban Saints.

It’s a competition United have entered in the past and one they enjoy, with the five 30-minute games ensuring the entire squad get a decent run

However, it’ll mean an early start for travelling fans with United’s first game, against Alloa, kicking off at 11.40 am.

On Monday, the squad head off for their week-long camp in Austria, which includes games against Romania’s Unirea Urziceni and Polish team Arka Gydnia.

With the Spanish on the verge of winning the trophy, the reason for the 25-year-old’s pleasure is obvious.

He admits, though, watching it from afar has not been easy.

“For me, it has been joy and jealousy — and I felt both when Spain won the semi-final against Germany on Wednesday,” he said.

“I was so happy and I still am because for your country to reach the final of a World Cup is a special things and it should be a special feeling.

“I am jealous, too, because, when the final whistle went on Wednesday, my family and friends back in Spain were calling me and telling me the whole country was out on the streets celebrating.

“As a Spaniard, of course I would love to be there with them because it must be a great party.”

Come Sunday night, he is convinced there will be an even bigger celebration back home — and is backing Victor Del Bosque’s team to get the better of the Dutch.

“Holland are a good team and it is a final, so it is a dangerous game, but I believe Spain are the best team in the world at this moment and they will go on and win.

“We feel this is our time and, with the players we have, we can beat anyone. The team are European champions and that has given them the confidence to go on and win in South Africa.”

Like every other Spaniard, he also has an opinion on the one burning selection issue to be resolved by the manager — should off-form striker Fernando Torres be recalled to the starting line-up.

And although he’s a big Torres fan, he feels he should be on the bench.

“For the semi-final, Del Bosque brought in Pedro— and I thought he was Man of the Match,” he said.

“His only mistake was when he should have played Torres in to score near the end of the game.

“If I had been Torres, I would have killed him for that, but he was very good and I would not change the starting team.”

And as Sandaza readies himself for the final, his aim will be to create a little bit of Spain in Dundee.

“I know some other Spaniards who live here and we will meet to watch the final because this is a game you cannot watch alone.

“If Spain can win, it will be a very special night.”

He said, “It should be an absolutely cracking game, but I fancied Spain before the World Cup started, so I’m going to stick with them.”

United gaffer Peter was equally convinced the game is set up perfectly to be a quality affair, but feels Victor Del Bosque’s side just have the edge.

“We’ve got Spain in our Euro Championship group and I think they’ll just sneak it on Sunday,” said Peter.