Ferguson believes McBride signing illustrates United mean business

The left-back will join United in the summer when his contract expires in the summer, ending a spell which has seen him play for the Crues all his career, making 399 appearances to date for the Shore Road side.

“I’m delighted that Stephen has signed a pre-contract agreement to join us,” said Ferguson.

“People might not have said that left-back was a priority position for us because we already have a few options there but when a player of the type of quality who will improve your squad becomes available, you have to make a move.

“Stephen is a vastly experienced player - even though he’s not turned 30 yet, he’s been involved in a lot of Crusaders’ success in recent seasons.

“He’s good going forward but more importantly, he knows his job defensively and he will help make us a wee bit more street-wise than we have been at times this season.

“We approached Crusaders to let them know of our intentions and I spoke to Stephen a few weeks ago.

“It wasn’t the case that he was demanding mega money - we made him an offer and he accepted it there and then - his main priority is to get back to playing regular first team football,” added Ferguson, who has also re-signed locally-based utility player Mark Surgenor on a new two-year deal.

“Mark is a good type of player and person to have around the club.

“He is a very versatile player, which every club needs - that can sometimes work against him because he ends up being moved around from pillar to post but he’s happy to do that for the team.

“Mark has shown in the last few games how well he can play - I’ve just told him that we need to see more of that,” added Ferguson.

United will make a second attempt to play their Danske Bank Premiership match at Cliftonville this Saturday (3pm) after Saturday’s games were called off when the Northern Ireland v Russia World Cup qualifier was switched from Friday night to Saturday.

Seven Towers Supporters’ Club transport will leave Henry Street car park at 2pm.