"I expect us, like the fans do, to be at the top, but I'm sure we will get there in the next three months or so," McCabe told the club's official website.
"We aren't kidding ourselves though, we know we need to get promoted this season and that is why we are going to recruit before Thursday's deadline."
The Blades were hoping to keep hold of leading goalscorer Nick Blackman after receiving an offer from Crystal Palace
for the 14-goal striker, but it is likely he will complete a medical at Reading on Wednesday.
Scunthorpe will be hoping Danny Wilson doesn't launch a last minute swoop for Mark Duffy. The Bramhall Lane club have been monitoring the winger's situation during the past year.