The 23 year old from local South Australian Super League club MetroStars was signed on a short term contract earlier in the season and has already made two appearances in the Hyundai A-League, coming off the bench in Round 14 and 15.

Barbiero has been a train on player with United since the start of the season after impressing United coach Aurelio Vidmar with his work rate and being one of the standout midfielders in the Super League in 2007.

“Obviously because of the shortage of numbers and because it is difficult to find players at this stage of the season, we have brought Fabian in,” Vidmar said.

“Fabian has been training with us for a while now and looks comfortable at training and being part of the squad for the next three games will give him the opportunity to test himself at this level.”

The club has also signed 18 year old defender and member of the Young Socceroos, Daniel Mullen, for one week as cover for the suspensions to Robert Cornthwaite and Cassio.

Mullen is the cousin of United squad member Matthew Mullen and the son of former Socceroo and Adelaide City player Joe Mullen.