Dundee United: Jackie McNamara bemoans nervous play

McNamara's men missed the chance to go top of the league

Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara said his players were overly-anxious during their 1-0 defeat by Inverness.

Caley replaced United in second place in the Premiership, and McNamara felt his side missed the chance to go top.

"Our passing was poor, our decision-making was poor," said McNamara. "We were looking very nervous.

"You would think we were fighting relegation than chasing the top of the league. Our nervousness on the ball was frustrating."

Marley Watkins scored the only goal of the game the 11th minute with a right-footed shot to the bottom right corner, pushing United into third place on 22 points.

McNamara insists his players need to demonstrate more desire to take control of matches and improve their discipline.

"I thought we started well in the first 15 minutes, we had good opportunities," he added.

"But we didn't get a goal and we lost a bad one from my point of view. It was a bit of ball watching.

"We weren't pushing up quick enough and the ball came back in. From there, we lost our way, our discipline and passing. It was really frustrating watching.

"Over the 90 minutes, there were too many who weren't on their game.

"A lot of things need to improve - it starts with people wanting the ball and taking responsibility, demanding it off each other as a team. There wasn't enough pass marks in the team."