Dundee United

Paul McNicoll
Fan writer

To have a cutting edge in football is to turn possession and chances into goals. Every team wants it, but not every team has it. Dundee United are lacking in this department. Badly.

This season's Jim Goodwin side is looking really promising at times. The football is a joy to watch and far more entertaining than some of his previous efforts. No offence to those sides.

Defensively, we've improved on last season, with new signing Michael Forbes proving an excellent addition and Bert Esselink enjoying a career redemption arc.

The midfield is the star attraction. Dylan Tait, Zidane Iqbal and Lyall Cameron are forming a formidable three-man partnership, creating chances and making things happen. Of course, we can get caught out, but it's risk and reward and I'm happy to live with that.

The problem is what happens at the other end. For all the chances we create, this United side lacks a cutting edge. We have three strikers - Zac Sapsford, Lachie Rose and Idjessi Metsoko - yet none have nailed down a starting place.

The trio have a combined goal tally in the Premiership of two - one apiece for Sapsford and Rose.

I liked the look of Metsoko early in the season, but that promise hasn't amounted to much yet. Rose gives you everything he's got, but so far the goals haven't followed.

And Sapsford? It feels like he's been out of form longer than he was ever in it. We've seen what he can do, and he can score goals, but he desperately needs to rediscover that version of himself.

The long and short of it is United are more than capable of a few heavy wins this season. The football is there, the chances are there, and the midfield is purring.

But without someone to put the ball in the net, all that lovely build-up risks becoming an elaborate way of getting everyone's hopes up before the inevitable disappointment.

Paul McNicoll can be found at the Dode Fox Podcast, external

Jim Goodwin insists Dundee United were "desperate" to bring Amar Fatah back to Tannadice and made the player a handsome offer. (The Courier), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish football gossip

Dundee United's midfield trio of Lyall Cameron, Dylan Tait and Zidane Iqbal have been the "catalyst" for Jim Goodwin's change in playing style, believes Sportscene pundit Richard Foster.

Watch Sportscene highlights of the weekend's top-flight action

Watch all the highlights as St Johnstone and Dundee United played out a 1-1 draw in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday. Available to UK users only.

United fans, we asked for your views on Saturday's draw against St Johnstone.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Lee: A draw was the probably fair in the end but we have to be turning the possession and chances we have into three points. The front line is not quite performing as it should and we need to get it sorted asap.

Danny: Some excellent play from the team again, our play going forward especially. We need a 20-plus goalscorer and to cut out giving away avoidable goals. This team can surprise everyone and have a really strong season.

Lee T: United need a proven goalscorer. They're passing up too many gilt edge chances as proven against St Johnstone, a match they should have won. Idjessi Metsoko, Lachlan Rose and Zac Sapsford are not the answer. Maybe Owen Stirton should have been given his chance instead of being sent out on loan. I'd kill for another Sam Dalby right now.

Tom: Dominated the game and got a well deserved point! Wee bit disappointing I suppose but not a defeat at a tricky venue for us.

Mierse: We are so close to being a very good team, we just need an effective target man that can finish off the great work by our midfield and defence. Oh for a Sam Dalby or a Nadir Ciftci. Unfortunately it has to be said that Metsoko is not delivering the goods.

George: If we can get start taking the chances we are creating then we could be looking at a very good season. Keep the faith I'm sure it will click soon.

Dominant Dundee United rescued a well-earned Scottish Premiership draw at St Johnstone to stretch their unbeaten run to four games.

Read the match report here

Have your say on the match here

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "I didn't think there was a great deal in the first half. St Johnstone get their noses in front and it's a really poor goal from our point of view regarding our decision making.

"We were relatively calm in terms of the play, we just needed to speed the game up. We allowed St Johnstone to get their shape back behind the ball.

"These are the challenges we are going to face through the course of the season. This is why we've done the recruitment that we've done.

"These players are more than capable of unlocking that low block, but the goal we concede is avoidable. It was a combination of errors from us, but great resilience from the players to respond and come from a goal behind and second half we had complete control. On another day, I think we would have won the game."

On Lyall Cameron he added: "Lyall has settled in brilliantly at Dundee United and he is just a terrific midfielder.

His goal was an excellent goal, a really well worked goal from us. I think he'll be disappointed though with the one he had after that. One defeat in our last six, and in the two draws in that spell I feel we should have had more to show for it."

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St Johnstone will be boosted by the return of defender Cheick Diabate from suspension.

Dundee United have no fresh injury concerns following last weekend's win against Hibernian.

Left-back Will Ferry continues to be monitored having picked up a knock during the training camp in Portugal over the international break, while forward Mehdi Merghem and Emmanuel Agyei (both knee) continue their own rehabilitation.

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before Saturday's away game against St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership.

Here are the main points:

• Goodwin says that he "couldn't be happier" with his team's "exceptional performances" in their last two games, and singled out goalkeeper Jack Walton for praise in particular.

• "The only criticism I suppose from last Saturday would be that we didn't capitalise on some of the other really good chances that we had in the game," he added.

• He revealed that this summer he wanted to recruit players that were "technically a little bit better on the ball" and to add pace in the final third, and believes that these attributes have played a big part in the club's last two wins.

• Goodwin praised St Johnstone and "terrific" manager Simo Valakari and says they "certainly won't underestimate" them.

• St Johnstone look "structured" behind the ball and acknowledges they will remain a confident side given how successful they can be following their Championship-winning campaign of last year.

• Goodwin praised his players for their hard work in Portugal during the international break, calling it "one of the best" training camps he's ever been on.

• Backing up their two consecutive wins is now their next task, he says, adding: "So as much as we are not getting carried away with the last couple of results, we are certainly enjoying it, and we certainly want to maintain it, the big question is, can we go and do it again tomorrow?"

• Goodwin acknowledged how crucial the supporters will be tomorrow and thinks that it will "feel like a home game" with over 2,000 fans at McDiarmid Park tomorrow.

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has revealed he decided to pursue other targets when considered signing Ruari Paton permanently after his loan from Port Vale, but he is delighted the 26-year-old striker is now playing regularly in the Scottish Premiership with St Johnstone. (Daily Record, external)

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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• St. Johnstone's Josh Fowler is the top scorer in this season's Scottish Premiership, scoring five goals from just 10 shots (50% conversion), six of which have been on target.

• Dundee United have won both of their last two league games, last winning three in a row in April 2025 – when the third win was over St. Johnstone.

• After their 1-0 win over Aberdeen, St. Johnstone are looking to earn back-to-back victories in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since February 2025, and first time without conceding since March 2021.

• Dundee United have won four of their last seven visits to St. Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership (D2 L1) and could win successive trips to McDiarmid Park in the top-flight for the first time since April 2012.

• St. Johnstone have lost each of their last three league games against Dundee United, their longest top-flight losing run against the Tangerines since a run of four defeats from May 2001 to January 2002.

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

After three weeks without Dundee United, it was good to get back to some good old-fashioned Scottish Premiership action.

Even better when you win!

The 1-0 victory over Hibs meant back-to-back league wins, back-to-back clean sheets and finally a first home league win of the season.

It should probably have been more comfortable as well.

Lyall Cameron was outstanding and seemed to spend the afternoon putting team-mates through on goal. Jesse Randall could have had a hat-trick, Daniel Bennie went close more than once and we created enough to have the game wrapped up long before the final whistle...

Thankfully, a thigh-assisted effort claimed all three points.

The encouraging thing is that this no longer feels like one good result in isolation.

The 3-0 success at St Mirren was followed by another strong performance and the midfield of Cameron, Dylan Tait and Zidane Iqbal is starting to look like the heartbeat of the team.

Being United there was still the usual bit of unnecessary stress. Hibs went down to 10 men and somehow United still allowed Martin Boyle a late chance with Jack Walton producing a massive save to secure the points.

After all the stop-start nonsense, international breaks and three-week gaps, this felt like a proper Saturday again.

League football at Tannadice and three points - much better!

Ronny Costello can be found at the Dode Fox Podcast, external

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter at Tannadice

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Lyall Cameron says he is relishing the freedom he has been given in the Dundee United side by manager Jim Goodwin.

The midfielder was man-of-the-match in Saturday's 1-0 Premiership win over Hibernian and set up Daniel Bennie for the decisive goal.

Cameron says the trust he has been given by Goodwin to be the team's creative fulcrum has given him great confidence.

"I'm really enjoying the way he works," Cameron told BBC Scotland.

"I think the training he does really well. He's focused a lot on the team, all on the same page, on what we're doing.

"He's given me the freedom to go and play, get in good positions, get on the ball and be positive. That's what I'm going to try and do and if i can get some goals and assists to help us win then that's good.

"The positions I'm picking up the ball sometimes I'm going to give it away, trying to thread passes and sometimes they're going to get intercepted occasionally, but having the backing knowing I can keep doing it and keep doing it and if it comes off I can create a chance, it's been really good and I'm enjoying it so far."

Dundee United inflict a debut defeat on new Hibs boss Marink Reedijk thanks to Daniel Bennie's first-half goal. (Available to UK users only)

United fans, we asked for your opinions on the 1-0 win over Hibs at Tannadice. Here's a taste of what you had to say...

Tom: An entertaining game. United ought to have scored at least another couple of goals. Lyall Cameron and Zidane Iqbal were excellent in an ever-improving young United side!

Kieran: Back-to-back wins and clean sheets - we've not said that very often! Jim Goodwin may well have found his starting XI. Michael Forbes and Bert Esselink bossing the backline. Iqbal and Cameron showing their class. The only gripe was it should have been more. From what was a shaky start to season things look like to be sizzling along nicely.

John: United should have had this game seen out earlier. Too many chances missed but still great to walk away with three points. Three in midfield look excellent and the defence looks really solid. I believe we could be in the chasing pack come Christmas.

Ross: Three thoughts - outstanding defence, brilliant midfield, misfiring forwards. Three names - Bert Esselink, a remarkable redemption and now part of an impressive centre-back duo. Lyall Cameron, a class act who never stops and is a joy to watch. Jim Goodwin, a new squad and a new style, brave management but showing real belief. Long way to go but this could be good.

Keith: Well done Jim, well done every player. Not one 'boo' from the home support. Everyone can see the honest effort from the players and the fact that we are playing some very pleasing football.

Playing the way we are comes with risk but as we all can see it makes for a good watch. All of our defenders, including goalkeeper Jack Walton, did their jobs and showed great understanding and kept Hibs at bay.

Kenny: 1-0 going on 4-0. We have a great spine with Walton, Esselink, Forbes and the excellent midfield of Cameron, Iqbal and Dylan Tait. More performances like this and we'll do well this season. Everyone did their job and it was a thoroughly deserved victory, but we need more precision up front. Looking good for a cup run and top four.

Dundee United emphatically dispatched St Mirren to earn just their second Premiership win of the season on manager Jim Goodwin's return following a health issue.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin tells BBC Scotland: "It was a hard-earned three points in the end but I actually thought it was a really good game of football from both teams. I thought it was real attacking intent from both groups of players.

"We're a little bit disappointed, given the chances that we had throughout the course of the game. I thought we could have scored another two or three goals. They had one or two really dangerous counter attacks themselves.

"No doubt my midfielders and my forward players will get all the pats on the back for some of the good football that we played during the game but I think the back four in particular, my goalkeeper's not had a great deal to do, I thought the two centre-backs were outstanding again.

"They defended the box brilliantly when we came under pressure, they're playing against a very good Hibs team. You look at the quality that they have in the forward areas and you know you're going to have moments of pressure where you're going to have to dig deep and show a bit of resilience.

"I thought we'd done that brilliantly but the all-round performance was excellent.

"I spoke before the game about how good teams are consistently good. We had a very good performance in Paisley a few weeks ago and the message to the players was, 'can we go and do it again?' And we certainly did."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Michael Forbes has hailed the "really good platform" Dundee United have given him as he looks to reignite his international career.

The 22-year-old Northern Ireland defender arrived at Tannadice from West Ham United during the summer.

Having played every minute of every league game so far, his impressive performances have caught the eye of his national boss, Michael O'Neill.

Forbes, whose only previous cap came against Finland in 2023, was recalled for the recent international break and was an unused substitute as O'Neill's side picked up two wins and two draws in their quartet of Nations League games.

Speaking before United's Scottish Premiership visit of Hibernian, Forbes said: "Being recognised by the national team and getting that call-up again shows you that coming up here is a really good platform to progress yourself as a player and challenge yourself against very good opponents, whether it is the big boys or any other team in the league - I don't think any game has been really easy for us.

"Putting in really good performances here can get you that recognition and now I have got myself back involved in the squad, I want to come back here and keep getting better and better.

"I feel like I have done well but there is still more to come. Our national team have done so well over the window so you want to be part of that going forward and this is where I can get myself continually back in the squads and hopefully be a part of it going forward."

After a frustrating start to the season, United's new look team were showing signs of starting to gel going into the break.

United, who are ninth in the table, have lost just one of their past four games, a sequence that included commanding away wins at Kilmarnock and St Mirren.

And Forbes said: "It has slowly been coming together, the Kilmarnock performance and then obviously the St Mirren performance were both really impressive.

"On the day whenever it clicks, I feel it is going to take a really good team to beat us, no matter who it is."

Image source, SNS

Dundee United have no fresh injury concerns but will continue to be without Mehdi Merghem and Emmanuel Agyei.

New Hibs boss Marink Reedijk could include new winger Rabbi Matondo, while Marko Ivezic is also in contention for a belated debut.

Adam Mayor, Jamie McGrath (calf), Kanayo Megwa (thigh), Rocky Bushiri (Achilles) and Jordan Obita (calf) are all set to miss out.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Jim Goodwin hopes his homework pays off with Dundee United ruining Marink Reedijk's Hibs bow on Saturday.

The Tannadice boss has studied Reedijk's work with former club Beveren to prime United for a Hibs style and formation change under the Dutchman, who was appointed last month following the sacking of David Gray.

"First of all I am really disappointed for David Gray and it will be sad not to share the touchline with him tomorrow," said Goodwin."

"I have the utmost respect for him as a person and manager I think he has done a terrific job during his spell at Hibs.

"As you would imagine we have done our homework on the new manager in terms of how his team played at Beveren and I would expect him to try and bring some of those principles to this current Hibs squad.

"A number of those players have been at Hibs for a considerable period of time, but there is no getting way from the fact it is going to be a change of formation and a change of style of play.

"The Hibs ownership wouldn't have made that decision if they didn't want that type of change.

"I believe they will play in a back four tomorrow as opposed to David Gray predominantly playing with a back three.

"I am led to believe the new manager likes a high press and very aggressive at the top end of the pitch, whereas David Gray predominantly sat off the game and tried to hit teams on the counter-attack.

"We have tried to let our players know and make them aware of the types of changes to expect."

United are ninth in the table, one point above Hibs, and targeting a first home league win of the season after an upturn in form, losing just one of their past four games.

Goodwin said: "We certainly don't want this dragging on any longer and tomorrow would be a great time to start getting three points at home.

"As always the main focus has been on ourselves and can we replicate the performance we saw in Paisley a few week ago?"

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before the visit of Hibernian on Saturday (15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines:

• With Marink Reedijk taking charge of Hibs for the first time, Goodwin praised the "terrific job" the Dutchman's predecessor David Gray did at Easter Road.

• On what to expect from Reedijk's side, he says: "We have done our homework on the new manager in terms of how his team played at Beveren and I would expect him to try and bring some of those principles to this current Hibs squad."

• He expects Hibs to be a high pressing, attacking team and adds: "There is no getting way from the fact it is going to be a change of formation and a change of style of play."

• While Goodwin has primed his players for a different Hibs, he has challenged them to replicate the performance they delivered in winning 3-0 at St Mirren last time out.

• United "would have preferred not to have the three-week break" after that game as they seek to continue recent momentum.

• Goodwin adds: "Good teams put on that type of performances consistently and we want to be a good team."

• His squad are in good spirits with Goodwin saying this has been "one of the best weeks of training" in a number of months.

• United are looking for their first home league win of the season and Goodwin doesn't want "this dragging on any longer".

• Team news: no fresh injuries.