As he prepared for his first game in charge, United boss Alex Smith called up Joachim Fernandez and Tony Smith to the squad for Saturday's clash with Motherwell at Tannadice.
One-time AC Milan midfielder Fernandez played in the closed-door game at Dunfermline yesterday and did enough to earn his promotion to the squad and could make his competitive debut.
Smith, signed from Airdrie at the beginning of last season, has impressed Alex with his attitude in training. "He has shown a lot of enthusiasm and that he wants to be out there on the park," said Alex. "I'm not saying Tony is in the team, but that is the kind of attitude we need at Dundee United right now."