Former Hull City, Stockport County and Doncaster Rovers midfielder Gary Brabin has arrived at Tannadice for a trial period.
Hull fans' favourite Brabin was a surprise victim of manager Brian Little's financially enforced overhaul at Boothferry Park at the end of last season when the Tigers lost the Nationwide Third Division play-off final.
The 30-year-old midfielder was one of five players whose wages were said to be too high for Hull City to sustain as a third Division club and he was bought out of his contract a year before it was due to expire.
Since then he has been training with Torquay United and Devon rivals Plymouth Argyle during the past few weeks but a move failed to materialise with either club.
United manager Alex Smith said, "We brought the player up here on a strong recommendation from a very good source and so far he has looked pretty good."
"I'll keep a close eye on him over the next few days before making up my mind either way on whether to take things further. He is definitely the type of lad, though, who knows his trade and who is not afraid to roll up his sleeves and do a shift of work."