New Tannadice transfer market

then get out on the grass to put on sessions that will challenge them.

“Once I see the improvements that need to be made, I’ll be strong with them and keep the standards really high.

“I need to keep them fit and motivated and away we go. I’ll do that every day.

“That’s just the way I work and operate as a manager. It’s stood me in good stead and I won’t change that.”

Mellon’s track record in developing players is impressive with Leicester star Jamie Vardy one of his students at Fleetwood Town and Manchester

City ace John Stones another at Barnsley.

However, the Paisley-born coach was keen to point out another in Rangers defender Connor Goldson, whom Mellon had at Shrewsbury.

He hopes to repeat those kind of successes at United.

He added: “I had Connor Goldson. We developed him into a fantastic centre-back and sold him to Brighton for millions.

“You take your time with them and see what they need to get better at. It was the same with Vardy, Stones and these kind of guys.

“You look at it and know the qualities that’s needed for them to be a top player.

“You recognise it and, because I’ve been through it before and been successful with it before because the proof is there with the boys playing at unbelievable levels, I’m able to bring that to this group of players.

“I know the techniques that are needed to show them. The training sessions or talking to them about things in a way they can grasp and understand to make them top players as well.

“I really enjoy doing that and I’m so proud of all the boys who have turned out top players.”

in a pre-season friendly at the weekend but is confident the board will back him if he wants to bring in additions.