David Cotterill looks certain to be paraded on the right hand side of the Blades' formation for the Bramall Lane curtain-raiser against the Championship's richest club.But Blackwell - who welcomed compelling proof of his £1 million capture's form and fitness in the Carling Cup win over Port Vale - still wants to establish some balance by providing a similar threat on the left.

Cotterill's pace and trickery make him such an obvious dangerman that opponents could concentrate on bottling up his menace down the right.

That's probably the main reason why the Blades boss was sorry to miss out on another of last season's loanees, Lee Martin, who has left Manchester United for Nottingham Forest.

Blackwell said: "That was disappointing because Lee is a quality player and I know he wanted to come back.

"I'm more than happy with what I've got but, yes, I would like a pacey player for the left hand side. Maybe we'll have to wait until January, though."

United's willingness to spend £2 million or £3 million for a solution was confirmed once more yesterday by Blackwell, who has ruled out making do with a stop-gap edition from lower down the market.

Wingers still tend to be regarded as something of a luxury in the modern game. Managers brave enough to pin their faith in such an approach rarely prosper unless the widemen are top notch. Otherwise, the ploy only looks good and leaves a side vulnerable to being overpowered.

Blackwell added: "You get wingers who flatter to deceive because there is no end product. I'd rather wait for top quality. From now on, our signings must be of that calibre and I'll be looking to bring one in every now and then."

For now, Lee Hendrie could pose a fresh challenge for the left side role, albeit as more of a creative midfielder than a flying winger.

Hendrie's influential performance in mid-week, topped with a sumptuous goal, suggested he could yet revive his career at Bramall Lane following his extended loan at Leicester.

"His career has been going backwards but Lee is still a first class player," said Blackwell." Maybe he has to work a bit harder so as not to abuse his God-given talent."

United are likely to have a more offensive look tomorrow after Greg Halford's midfield selection in the narrow defeat at Birmingham last week suggested a containment policy which very nearly worked.

Also pressing a claim is Danny Webber after his first 90 minutes for more than a year, including a goal from the penalty spot.

"Danny has a turn of speed that can upset defenders," said Blackwell, pinpointing a possible missing link. For the time being, at least, Billy Sharp is set for a chance to follow up last season's late impact by cementing a place alongside £2 million recruit Darius Henderson.

As for the game itself, Blackwell believes QPR's big build-up could count against them.

"They may become regarded as the team to beat, not because of what they've done on the pitch, but what they've done off it," he said, sensing an escape valve from the pressure of expectation surrounding his own team's bid for promotion.



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