THE start of July usually sees the transfer window go up a gear.

Clubs are back for pre-season and out-of-contract players have moved on, giving managers a clearer idea of where they still need to strengthen.

It may not seem like it, but United have been quite busy by their standards.

Billy Bodin’s move from Preston North End on Wednesday was the U’s third signing – the last time they brought in that many first-team players before July 1 was 2016.

Yes, some Sky Bet League One clubs have been far more active, but they tend to be those with relatively new managers overhauling their squads (Burton Albion and Ipswich Town) or teams who were promoted last season (Bolton Wanderers and Morecambe).

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Karl Robinson specifically said in April he did not want a high turnover of players, although that partly depends on who leaves.

Rob Atkinson seems set to join Bristol City, but when the centre back does depart United will not panic as they find a replacement.

The club have made it clear they are happy to wait for the right players and they will not change that approach.

It might lead to a lower volume of signings as their rivals ramp it up, but the U’s are banking on it being quality over quantity .