After seeing United lose in poor fashion to Oldham then throw away a lead to draw, albeit in slightly unlucky circumstances at Yeovil on Saturday, McAllister knows there is a big room for improvement and he warned the players who have started the season in the team that there were plenty of others ready to take their place.

The manager was pleased, however, with his new Argentinian striker Luciano Becchio, who marked his first start with a goal after only 25 seconds at Yeovil. It was a real striker's finish and gave the first indication that United may have unearthed a talent in the player who has played most of his football in Spain.

"He worked hard and showed he is capable of scoring," said McAllister.

"We are looking for a bit more when he gets games under his belt, but hopefully it is the start of a partnership with Jermaine Beckford that can score goals.

"We are setting standards, but when we get in front we ought to control things a bit better and our passing needs to be better. Overall, we have got to improve.

"You look at our bench and the people we had sitting in the stand. The starting 11 didn't really change, but we have four home games now and we're looking for people to step up to the plate."

The first of those home games is tonight in the Carling Cup against Crystal Palace then it is on to Bristol Rovers at Elland Road in League One on Saturday and another tester it would seem after Rovers hammered Hereford 6-1 last weekend.

Bradford City make the short journey to Elland Road for a first round Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie next Tuesday before Leeds host Crewe on Saturday week at the end of a period which will stretch the finances of the supporters, but could put the Whites into a top six place if they can get their game together.

The transfer deadline looms next Monday with activity expected at Leeds as they look to

complete their team plans for the long season ahead. But the club has warned that they will have to sell before any more players are brought in.

McAllister said: "I have to be honest and say that we need people to go out of the club before there is any movement coming in.

"The markets are tight, there is the credit crunch hitting everywhere but there is still a week or so to go to the close of the transfer window.

"There are a few players who know they have become surplus here, their chances of first team football having lessened. I think most people are aware of that so people coming into the club will be dictated by people going out."

United's chairman Ken Bates backed up his manager when he told the club's website that it had not been easy finding clubs for players who were not involved in the first team squad.

He said: "The simple reason is there is no money about. Some clubs can't even come up with £800 a week.