It has been less than noticeable in terms of goals – the former Watford striker's equaliser in the 2-1 Carling Cup win at Huddersfield was his first in five games for United.

But Blackwell's extolling of Henderson's contribution to a richly promising start to the season suggests Billy Sharp – for no fault of his own – is the forward most under threat from Beattie's impending return, now delayed until after the fortnight's international break that follows tomorrow's visit of Cardiff.

The Blades boss made a general point about his strikers, saying: "I'd be looking over my shoulder if I was them… they know Beatts is almost there."

It seems inconceivable that Blackwell will leave out an influential £2m signing or keep the club's £4m record buy on the bench.

But Sharp, who grabbed a hat-trick in the last home game with QPR, must be motivated to delay the seemingly inevitable.

A pairing of United's two big shots looks to be on the long-term agenda, though the ploy might demand a switch to orthordox wingers with David Cotterill still having to press his claims and a left sided signing a priority.

What is clear is that Henderson is rapidly cementing himself into the team. Blackwell said: "His presence has made a real difference for us because the ball is sticking with him when it is played forward. It is noticeable that we have had eight different goalscorers this season. That's because we can play from better positions when we retain the ball higher up the pitch."

Blackwell feels Henderson can play a major role tomorrow against Cardiff's formidable centre backs Darren Purse and Roger Johnson. He said:

"They are big, aggressive centre halves. We have needed to be much more physical up front and Darius gives us that quality. He's doing everything I've asked of him.

With 11 goals and four successive wins in all competitions, Blackwell can afford to play down the rollicking he undoubtedly delivered to a much changed and under performing line-up in the lucky win at the Galpharm Stadium.

It also means he can delay Beattie's return.

"He'll be fit after the break," said Blackwell.

"I want him firing so that when he gets back, he keeps his place. But he can't just walk in. It's about what is right for the team, not individuals. We play and train at a high tempo, so Beatts needs to adjust to that."

The former Everton striker did a workout on Huddersfield's pitch before Wednesday's game, while another off-duty senior man, Gary Speed, was in the directors' box. "They could have had a day off but they didn't want, which shows the togetherness here," said Blackwell, who can understand, if not entirely excuse his team's disappointing performance.

"I agree with you but I cannot be over critical because we got the result," he said, acknowledging that Chris Morgan and Matthew Kilgallon had to lead from the back on this occasion to keep Huddersfield at bay.
Lee Hendrie missed an opportunity to reinforce his claims because of a serious foot infection that has confined him to a hospital bed for the last two days.

Meanwhile, Blackwell has ruled out letting any of his fringe players leave Bramall Lane on loan before the window closes. Only cash bids will be considered. As for signings, he said:

"I don't expect any at this stage but that doesn't mean I wont make one. We'll see.



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