Dundee United

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

At the halfway stage of the January transfer window, Dundee United perhaps face the dilemma of whether they stick or twist.

By 'stick', I mean do they stay with the squad that has served them so well so far this season - sitting third in the Premiership, well be beyond all the Tannadice club's pre-season expectations.

And they have achieved such lofty heights despite being shorn of several key players for periods of the campaign.

So one could argue that if it isn't broken, why fix it.

But, the 'twist' argument is a strong one too.

While the season may have a long way to run, one thing that is abundantly clear is that third place - and the financial, European and prestige trappings that come with it - is very much in their hands.

So do they push the boat out and bolster their squad with a few reinforcements in a bid to try and strengthen their bid to secure such riches?

Yes, manager Jim Goodwin has had to cut his cloth budget wise since he came into the club - and what a fine job he has done so far against that backdrop.

But will the United hierarchy be tempted to loosen the purse strings a little bit more as they chase what are now very-much-within-reach financial rewards?

I guess we will find out over the coming weeks as we countdown to the closure of this transfer window.

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Phil Parkinson has confirmed that Wrexham will decide whether to recall Sam Dalby from his successful loan spell at Dundee United in the coming days. (The Courier)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

Ah, the life of a Dundee United supporter, there's never a dull moment!

Let's take a wee jaunt through our recent escapades of seven games in 20 days which started with a big point against runaway league leaders Celtic...

22 December 2024: Dundee United 0-0 Celtic

We hosted the league leaders at Tannadice and, in true festive spirit, gifted them... absolutely nothing! A defensive masterclass saw us hold Celtic to a goalless draw, much to their frustration. Our lads were as unyielding as a Scotsman refusing to pay for a round.

26 December 2024: St Johnstone 1-2 Dundee United

Boxing Day brought a trip to Perth, where we unwrapped a 2-1 victory against St Johnstone. The team showed more determination than a bairn trying to stay awake for Hogmanay. Goals from Middleton and Dalby ensured the Saints were left singing the blues.

29 December 2024: Dundee United 1-0 Aberdeen

Back at Tannadice, we edged out the anti-Goodwin brigade from Aberdeen with a 1-0 win. It wasn't the most glamorous affair, but as any Dundonian knows, sometimes a simple pie and beans hits the spot better than fancy fare. Our defence was tighter than a hipster's jeans, securing a clean sheet.

2nd January 2025: Dundee 1-2 Dundee United

Ah, the New Year derby. A time when families are divided, and so was the scoreline. We marched into Dens Park and claimed a 2-1 victory, proving that the city is still tangerine. The atmosphere was electric, and our winning goal sparked celebrations that probably registered on the Richter scale... I was upside down at one point!

5 January 2025: Dundee United 0-1 Hearts

Not all stories have happy endings and this was easily our worst performance of the run. It was a bit like trying to deep-fry a Mars bar that's just too big for the fryer. Frustrating and ultimately unsuccessful.

8 January 2025: Celtic 2-0 Dundee United

On the back of losing a game and the players running on empty, what you need is a trip to Parkhead. We were not embarassed, far from it and I doff thy cap to the fans who made if through on a freezing cold Wednesday night at £37 a ticket...

11 January 2025: St Mirren 0-1 Dundee United

The seventh game in 20 days took us back west as we travelled to Paisley and pocketed a 1-0 win against St Mirren. The late goal-scoring juggernaut that is Dundee United struck again, with Louis Moult rolling back the years with a terrific overhead kick effort to claim a fourth win this season over the Buddies... we must get to keep them now, no?

In summary, it's been a period of grit, determination, and a fair share of drama. With four wins, a draw, and two defeats, the players have shown they're made of stern stuff.

As we look ahead, let's keep the faith and remember... in football, as in life, it's not just about the destination but the glorious, unpredictable journey as the shed go marching on, on, on!

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

The Sportscene panel react to Louis Moult's overhead kick winner against St Mirren. Available to UK users.

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Dundee United goalkeeper Jack Newman has joined Scottish Championship side Livingston on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 22-year-old joined Inverness Caledonian Thistle at the start of the campaign, but his loan move was cut short due to off-field issues for the League One club.

The shotstopper signed for United back in 2020 after coming through the academy at Sunderland and has made four first team appearances for the Tangerines.

Newman will be available for David Martindale's third-placed side when they host Airdrieonians on Tuesday night as they bid to make an immediate return to the top flight.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Image source, BBC Sport

Jack Walton: Big moments and the penalty save secured another vital three points for United as they strengthened their hold on third place.

Louis Moult: An injection before the game to numb the pain in a shoulder issue was clearly worth it as his expertly taken goal made the difference in the 1-0 win at St Mirren.

The 32-year-old plays with such personality, quality and imagination in the final third.

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Louis Moult loves a bit of Spandau Ballet.

Well, supporters of the clubs he's played for do.

The veteran forward, who scored a sensational winner against St Mirren on Saturday, has long had his name sung to the band's hit, 'Gold', and the tangerine faithful are the latest to serenade the striker. And he's going to milk it.

His overhead kick in the 88th minute in Paisley not only sparked wild scenes of jubilation among the travelling support, but got the catchy tune ringing around the Smisa Stadium... and on the road back up to Dundee.

"It's an unbelievable feeling when you hear the fans sing it," the 32-year-old said.

"It's a song that has followed me my whole career, from Nuneaton, Wrexham, Motherwell – now the Dundee United faithful are ringing it out.

"I love it. I'm going to milk it. I do find myself in the shower humming along to it, sometimes.

"Those scenes at the end is what we are all about. Two years ago, this club was on the decline, and we are hopefully on that upwards trajectory now.

"We need to continue that. And when you see the players, manager, board, fans all together as one, it's hard not to be successful."

Speaking of success, Moult has a history with bicycle kicks, and was reminded of a cracker he scored for Wrexham ten years ago on social media a few days ago.

"It's funny how things like that happen. Maybe it was in my mind, subconsciously. So, when the ball drops, I thought 'set it up for a bicycle kick'.

"I can't believe I can still get my leg that high. And when I was on the ground I was saying, 'is it in? Is it not?' It was relief when it went in."

Moult may have been relieved, but he was not surprised that he was the man who made the difference - despite taking an injection in his shoulder pre-match.

"I actually turned around to the bench before I came on and said 'this just stinks of a Louis Moult 1-0 win," he added.

"You might think that sounds cocky, but I think that's just belief. I've always been a guy who'll believe in my ability to score goals."

Watch highlights of Dundee United's last-gasp win at St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership. (UK users only)

We asked for your views on Dundee United's dramatic 1-0 win against St Mirren.

Here's what some of you said:

Chris: Louis Moult isn't a 90-minute striker and hasn't been for years due to his injury history. He is an outstanding impact player though, and United should look to extend his deal with that in mind. No one better to bring on for the last 20 minutes of a close game.

Gary: Thought we were a bit shaky in the first half, but in the second half we were more like ourselves, great to see Moult back and another great three points, bring on the Dees.

Bert: Great result against a decent St Mirren, it's winning games like this that make the difference in being in the top six or fighting relegation. Long may it continue, as a strong United is a good addition to the SPFL.

Jamie: In the first half the players looked lethargic, and St Mirren looked fresh, understandable given their lack of a midweek game. In the second half United were a different side, and if not for the incredible Zach Hemming, could have scored three or four. Moult, take a bow! Justice done with Jack Walton's save after another shocking penalty award. Toyosi Olusanya's dive was embarrassing.

Gary: Great start to the season for United, I've been listening from my home in Mallorca and it seems like we haven't been at our best and are still winning games, especially at the death. This might just be a season to remember! Bring it on.

Chris: The battle for third place will come down to games like this, a massive three points! Grinding out a result, showing great strength of character in the squad. Manager and players need to stick together and work even harder for the second half of season and wow, Europe here we come!

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• Dundee United have scored in 18 of their 23 games, only Celtic (20) have scored goals in more matches in the Premiership this season.

• St Mirren have failed to score in their last three games in the Premiership, their last longer run of games without scoring a goal in the competition was a run of five from 14 March 2015 to 13 April 2015.

• St Mirren have failed to score in nine of their 23 games, no team has failed to do so more often in the Premiership this season.

• Dundee United have kept a clean sheet in eight of their 23 games, only Rangers (11) and Celtic (17) have done this more often in the Premiership this season.

• St Mirren have lost their last four games in the Premiership, their last joint longest losing streak was from 28 September 2024 to 27 October 2024.

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "It's a huge three points given the way the first half went. I think we were very fortunate to be in at 0-0. St Mirren were better than us in every department.

"We had some harsh words at half time and the players raised their energy levels. It was night and day. Over the piece a draw possibly would have been a fair result, but the character of my team... they keep going.

"It was real individual quality to win the game for us. Louis [Moult] was probably 50/50 for the game yesterday. He's a goalscorer. He's made a career our of scoring big goals in big games.

"Prior to the penalty [Jack Walton] makes a big, big save one-v-one. Delighted for Jack, another clean sheet. He deserves that."

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Dundee United were crying out for inspiration when Louis Moult, making his first appearance in a month after a spell out injured, was brought on for Glenn Middleton on the hour.

And, boy, did the striker deliver it. The former Motherwell forward's remarkable winner came just moments after his point-blank header was saved superbly by Zach Hemming.

Jim Goodwin's men were fortunate to be level at the break, but they suffered without conceding. This was not a smash-and-grab job, though.

United improved massively after the interval, Vicko Sevelj having a back-post finish disallowed for offside before Middleton's deflected strike hit the bar.

Kevin Holt and Sam Dalby were also denied as the game became frantic in the closing stages, epitomised by an incredible finale that saw Moult and goalkeeper Jack Walton make themselves the heroes.

Were you at the game in Paisley or following the match elsewhere?

Either way, we want your views on the game - have your say here, external.

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St Mirren have a full squad other than Conor McMenamin (calf).

United defender Kevin Holt is rated 50-50 after missing the midweek defeat at Celtic Park, while David Babunski (knock) is likely to remain on the sidelines with Louis Moult (shoulder) and Craig Sibbald (groin).

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Dundee United have been "inundated with requests" from agents and players in the transfer window so far, according to boss Jim Goodwin.

The manager believes United's good standing in the table has made them a more attractive destination to players looking for a move in January.

"We have been inundated with requests from agents and from players," Goodwin said. "It's just about us going through that list of players and making sure we identify the right characters and the players with the right ability to strengthen us."

"You want to come out of the window stronger than you went into it. I think it is an attractive proposition for a lot of agents and players.

"You're not asking someone to come in and be a part of a relegation dogfight where confidence is low.

"You're asking players to come in and be a part of a really positive culture and try and help this team stay in the top six."

United sit third, ahead of Aberdeen on goal difference, and eight points clear of seventh-place Dundee.

However, they've lost their last two games to relegation-troubled Hearts and league leaders Celtic, and are looking to get back to winning ways at Goodwin's former club St Mirren on Saturday.

"We've had two defeats and two very difficult games. Prior to that, we had won three games on the bounce," added the Irishman.

"We're not feeling too sorry for ourselves after the last couple of games. I've got every faith in the group that it will respond in a positive fashion."

Dundee United defender Ross Graham, 23, is grateful to be back and feels he is "all the better" following a lengthy hamstring injury. (Herald - subscription), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

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• Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin has only lost one of his six Scottish Premiership games against former side St Mirren since leaving the club (W3 D2), a 3-1 defeat with Aberdeen in December 2022.

• St Mirren have lost both of their league games against Dundee United this season, after having only lost two of their previous 11 Scottish Premiership meetings with the Tangerines beforehand (W4 D5 L2).

• After their 1-0 victory in October, Dundee United are looking to successive top-flight away wins at St Mirren for the first time since November 2008 (run of 4).

• St Mirren have lost three league games in a row, the last two without scoring. The Buddies last lost three successive Scottish Premiership matches without scoring in December 2023.

• Dundee United have lost their past two league games, after having only lost one of their previous 10 beforehand (W5 D4). They last lost more in a row in the Scottish Premiership in May 2023 (5).

We asked for your thoughts after Dundee United were beaten 2-0 by Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

Here's what you had to say:

Kieran: Overall, the team can be proud of their performance. For the majority of the game the guys defended the box well. Unlucky not to nick a goal in the second half. Got to give Jim Goodwin credit - he got the line-up spot on and used the subs well, as Saturday's game in Paisley is more achievable to get three points and consolidate third spot.

Kenny: Our season is not defined by games against the Old Firm but against the others. Heads up lads, a great effort last night. Roll on the next game.

Chris: Not a game that will influence the season - there are far more important games to come that will determine if a third or fourth-place finish can be achieved. Not many would have predicted that outcome at start of the season!