Aberdeen 0-3 Dundee United: Scottish Cup semi-final spot for visitors

Dundee United are back "where they should be" after reaching the Scottish Cup semi-finals with a dominant victory over Aberdeen, says boss Micky Mellon.

Marc McNulty scored either side of a Ryan Edwards header to secure a 3-0 win at Pittodrie as Stephen Glass sustained a first loss as Dons manager.

It is 2010 winners United's first semi-final in the tournament since 2016.

"Their work-rate was fantastic and they got what they deserved," Mellon said of his players.

"They showed what they're capable of. Fantastic performance. Dundee United are back in the semi-finals, where they should be all the time."

The last-four draw takes place on Monday.

• Reaction & as it happened

Both sides fielded reserve goalkeepers amid injuries and Deniz Mehmet was the first to be called into action with a double save to deny Matty Kennedy and Callum Hendry.

Lawrence Shankland had escaped home defenders Tommie Hoban and Andy Considine in one early attack and did so again to set up the opening goal, finding McNulty on the right of the box for a low drilled shot to the opposite corner.

And it should have been two moments later when McNulty got free and squared for Ian Harkes, who could not convert from close range.

Gary Woods came to Aberdeen's rescue by blocking Jeando Fuchs' shot then a touch on to the post from Nicky Clark's effort.

But a second goal did arrive for Micky Mellon's side from Clark's free-kick on the right, the imposing Edwards rising unchallenged to convert.

Still the chances came United's way with Clark sending McNulty through to shoot wide.

Half-time could not come quickly enough for Aberdeen but they could have had a spot-kick when Deniz came off his line to punch away a corner and barged into Hendry as the forward headed wide. The home players appealed but referee Kevin Clancy awarded only a goal kick.

Dundee United set about putting the tie to bed and did so when Harkes released McNulty in behind the beleaguered Aberdeen defence to slip the ball beyond the exposed Woods.

And the Tangerines, who last won the cup in 2010, can now look forward to a Hampden visit on 8 or 9 May.

Man of the match - Marc McNulty

The striker's industry in attack and link-up play set the tone for a fine Dundee United win and he took his two goals superbly.

What did we learn?

With a total of one goal in the three league meetings of the sides this season, a goal-fest appeared unlikely but Dundee United created enough chances to win two games.

The hosts were complicit in their own downfall, inviting pressure on to themselves and not getting tight to their opponents.

Glass, who has been in charge for three games, said before the tie he needs to win a trophy to be considered a success at Aberdeen. That ambition will have to wait at least until next season and this defeat should leave him in no doubt as to the size of the task facing him at Pittodrie.

For Mellon, the decision to rest six players in Wednesday's loss to Kilmarnock now appears to be a masterstroke with a freshness and aggression to United's play throughout.

What did they say?

Aberdeen manager Stephen Glass: "The first-half performance set the tone for the whole game. We didn't get close to them, didn't manage to play around any sort of pressure they put on us. We got what we deserved overall."

Dundee United forward Marc McNulty: "Probably our best performance as a team this season. Clean sheet, never really gave them too much. Buzzing to get into the next round. It's a good trip to Hampden and fingers crossed we get a good tie."

What's next?

It's back to league business for both sides next Saturday with Aberdeen away to Livingston (15:00 BST) and Dundee United hosting Ross County (15:00).

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