Dundee United

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "Obviously we had a clear game plan to come here and play in a low block and try to hit Rangers on the counter-attack. I thought we had four or five good opportunities in the first half on the break.

"I don't mean goal-scoring opportunities, but good opportunities to get ourselves up the pitch into dangerous areas. We managed to get a couple of set-plays into the box and got our noses in front with a really well-worked corner.

"I'm delighted for young Sam Harding, getting chucked in tonight, I thought he was terrific over the whole piece.

"The Rangers equaliser, it's a very good goal from their perspective. I think we can do a little bit more in terms of stopping the cross. It's a fantastic header from Dessars, I don't want to take anything away from him, but he's not got anyone really putting a challenge on him and that's the disappointing factor for us.

"But at half-time, 1-1, we were quite comfortable and I thought we had sustained a lot of pressure. We knew the Rangers would have plenty of the ball and the game was turned on its head with the penalty kick and that is the major frustration for us.

"I think we just, at that stage in the game, get a little bit tired, a little bit leggy, lapses in concentration.

"We're making hard work of finishing fourth, there's no getting away from that fact, the last four results haven't been good enough but I think, I've said it numerous times, if you had offered us this opportunity on Saturday, way back at the beginning of the season, a one-off game to go and potentially, not just secure a fifth, but clinch fourth, would be a remarkable finish for us.

"We'll need to recover quickly. We've came here tonight with only six subs on the bench, given the injuries that we have to some key players - one or two have limped off again tonight - so the medical team are going to be extremely busy over the next 48 hours to try and make sure these players are ready to give their all in a really difficult game against Aberdeen."

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Not the top six run of results United sought, especially given it was looking like a fight for third at one stage.

Here, they did well to get the lead but just didn't hold on for long enough.

As the game wore on, they struggled to create and can have few complaints at the outcome.

Expectation has grown over the course of the campaign, perhaps slightly harshly, given it's their first season back in the Premiership.

All at Tannadice will be extremely disappointed with this sequence which leaves European hopes fragile and fans a little flat.

It's still very much within their grasp on the final day at home to Aberdeen, though.

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Craig Sibbald insists Dundee United are ready to cast aside their "wee blip" and finish on a high with European qualification.

United have followed a hat-trick of wins with three successive post-split defeats to come under pressure from St Mirren for a European spot.

Jim Goodwin's side might need a result at Ibrox tonight to keep European qualification in their own hands before the final day.

Midfielder Sibbald said: "The boys are all confident. We've had a wee blip recently, but every game's tough in the top six and we've been doing really well up until that.

"All in all, I think we've had a really good season and we can be proud of where we are now - not many teams who have been promoted from the Championship have made into the top six straight away.

"Unfortunately, we've not had a good start to the top-six games, but who's to say we can't finish on a high and get maximum points out of the next two games?

"We just need to remain confident and keep believing that we can get something. It's down to us now and we want to finish the season on a high.

"We were disappointed with the result (on Saturday), but it's in our hands and we're sitting in a good position in the table.

"So we just need to learn from our mistakes and try and cut them out them at Ibrox on Wednesday to make sure we can try and get three points."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Sport can often be about timing. for Dundee United, this is the worst possible time to be on one of their worst runs of the season.

The Tangerines go into tonight's trip to Rangers off the back of three straight league defeats. It is just the second time this term they have been on such a run.

However, doing it in the business end of the season makes it potentially even more damaging.

What will be troubling manager Jim Goodwin even more is that his team – pretty tight at the back for large parts of the campaign – have shipped 10 goals in that trio of matches.

Not ideal, but the message he will be imparting to his players is that it is still all to play for.

United remain fifth and will believe that they can hold off resurgent St Mirren and stay in the European places.

However, things could get even better as they have a faltering Aberdeen in their sights. The Dons are three points above in fourth place with the sides sharing the same goal difference.

And if something resembling the status quo remains in place after tonight, United will feel they can catch Aberdeen when the teams go head to head at Tannadice on Saturday.

However, for that to become possible, Goodwin knows he must find a way of stopping the run of defeats and the flow of goals into the United net.

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• Rangers have won seven of their past nine league games against Dundee United (D2) since a 1-0 defeat in August 2021 under Steven Gerrard.

• Dundee United have won just one of their past 20 away league games at Rangers (D3 L16), a 3-2 victory in April 2011 under Peter Houston.

• Excluding the curtailed 2019-20 season, Rangers have only lost their final home league game in one of their past 16 seasons (W10 D5), a 2-1 defeat to Aberdeen in 2016-17.

• Dundee United have won seven away league games this season, their most in a top-fight campaign since 2012-13 (also seven), last winning more in 2011-12 (eight). Indeed, only Celtic (39) and Rangers (30) have more away points in the Scottish Premiership this season than Dundee United (26).

• Rangers are unbeaten in their last 27 Scottish Premiership games against newly-promoted sides (W24 D3) since a 1-0 defeat at Livingston in September 2018.

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Rangers have an unchanged squad with Ianis Hagi, Ridvan Yilmaz and Dujon Sterling out for the season.

Dundee United defender Ross Graham (hamstring) is unlikely to feature again this campaign, while Luca Stephenson (hernia) is absent.

Paul McNicoll
Fan writer

Finishing in the top six this season was always going to be the target for United. And they did it comfortably. Hats off, applause all round, maybe even a friendly pat on the back.

Three games ago, we were cruising. Nine points ahead of St Mirren and European football practically booked.

Fast forward to now, and we're limping towards Ibrox with St Mirren just two points behind and looking like they've had some of Popeye's spinach for breakfast.

Since the split, United have been, well, dreadful. Our once-solid defence has collapsed and folded like a bed settee and opposition goal keepers haven't had to hand their kit in at the end of the matches to be washed.

To add to the mess, we keep hearing from the club about how tired the players are. Long season, knocks, fatigue. Yes, we get it, but saying it out loud just sounds like you're teeing up a ready-made excuse for poor performances.

Here's the reality, if we lose every post-split game and St Mirren nick fifth, it won't feel like a successful season, no matter how many times we're told it is.

So, to anyone at United reading this, feel free to print it out and stick it on the dressing room wall. Use it. Be annoyed. Be inspired. Be better.

Instead of reminding yourselves just how tired you are, replace they thoughts with just how close to European football you are. That may give you that little spring in your step that appears to be missing.

Two games left. Win one and we'll all pretend the past few weeks were just a bad dream.

Over to you, lads.

Paul can be found at The Dode Fox Podcast, external

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Manager Jim Goodwin says it is "time for tough mindsets and strong mentalities" as Dundee United aim to arrest a decline by securing European football.

After gaining promotion back to the top flight a year ago, the United boss feels it is still a "real positive" that the Tannadice side are in contention for Europe.

But their hold on fifth spot is under threat after defeat to St Mirren on Saturday moved Goodwin's former club to within two points of his current team.

The loss at home to the Paisley side was a third straight defeat for United, who travel to Rangers on Wednesday before hosting fourth-placed Aberdeen in their final game of the season.

Goodwin says he can "sense the frustration" from the fans but remains convinced his players can end the season on a high.

"There's nobody hurting more than myself, my backroom staff and the players at the recent run of results," the United manager said.

"It's been extremely disappointing, but [European qualification] is still very much in our own hands and we have to remain positive.

"We know how difficult the next two games will be, but we've got an opportunity on Wednesday to put things right and that's what we aim to do.

"We need to cut out the mistakes we've made in recent weeks. It's one final push now. It's time for tough mindsets and strong mentalities."

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media prior to Wednesday's Scottish Premiership match at Rangers.

Here are the key lines:

• Goodwin says "nobody is hurting more" than him, his staff and his squad following an "extremely disappointing" three-game losing run.

• He adds that he can "sense the frustration" from the fans but says everyone must "remain positive" as European qualification is "still very much in our own hands".

• The United boss says "it's a time for tough mindsets and strong mentalities" as they aim to end the season on a high.

• Despite the poor recent run, Goodwin says it is still a "real positive" that the team are in contention for Europe after gaining top-flight promotion just last season.

• He says Rangers were "very good" in their 4-0 win against Aberdeen, but they need to focus on themselves.

• On his summer transfer plans, Goodwin says the club have "identified some really good targets" and European football would boost the budget.

Watch Sportscene pundit Michael Stewart analyse Dundee United's recent drop-off in form. (Available to UK users only)

Watch highlights as St Mirren keep their European hopes alive by defeating Dundee United 2-0 to narrow the gap on fifth place to two points. (Available to UK users only)

We asked for your views on Dundee United's 2-0 defeat against St Mirren.

Here's what some of you said:

Jamie: United were absolutely dreadful. St Mirren were superb and played us off the park from the first minute to the last. They played some really tidy football. Our players have completely downed tools. Declan Gallagher's body language throughout was embarrassing. Jim Goodwin has had eight games as a United manager post-split and collected zero points. If we do not get fifth place after being nine points clear, he must be sacked.

Ross: As United's season seems to be ebbing away, this display looked more like tired players playing together for the first time than a former tight unit, solid in defence and resolve. Quite simply beaten by a team who looked sharper and wanted it more. United were flatter than a drunken pub singer. Getting a tune out of this squad for the next two games may be an impossible task for conductor Goodwin. The 2025 form guide proves what United have become - a mediocre mid-table side.

Greg: Very poor performance. Seems like everything is starting to fall apart and finishing sixth would be a massive blow from the position we found ourselves in. Goodwin's tactics must start to come into question as he has to change them at half time or before the last few games.

Gary: It was the worst United display for a long time. Could NOT give anyone a pass mark. Goodwin made a big mistake telling players they were leaving. Club captain has to go. Glenn Middleton has to go, David Babunski has to go along with others. We are going to be well short. Goalkeepers are not going to stay. Neither is Sam Dalby. Let's get real. Even if we do get in the Conference League, we will get beat by some minnows. Is it worth it? I don't think so.

Andy: The three post-split performances have been dreadful. Goodwin telling everyone who'll listen we've over-performed and telling key players they're out at end of the season. Amateur hour from him! Zero points from eight post split games now as United manager. Unacceptable.

Jim: Outplayed and out thought by a team of big skilful players, United now suffering from letting Kevin Holt go and Ross Graham being injured. Up front, the few good chances were put over the bar. United are on the crest of a slump and the mid season signings have added nothing. Thankfully we are top six, because bottom six we would be struggling.

Blackpool boss Steve Bruce was at Tannadice on Saturday to watch Dundee United striker Sam Dalby, who will be a free agent when his Wrexham contract expires at the end of the season. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

United fans, were you at Tannadice on Saturday or following the action from home? Either way we want your views on the defeat to St Mirren. What did you make of the performance? Are you still confident of securing the final European spot?

Give us your views

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin tells BBC Scotland: "We have no complaints about the end result, I thought St Mirren were the better team on the day.

"In these games over the season the first goal has always been vitally important and unfortunately St Mirren got that. We kept going but the longer the game went on i just felt we looked as if we were running out of legs in the middle of the pitch, we caused a lot of our won problems and St Mirren thoroughly deserved their own victory.

"We didn't pass the ball well enough. You know St Mirren are an aggressive team and in previous games we've handled that well and were able to play ourselves out of trouble. I'm not making any excuses but we've got so many players just now that are nowhere near 100%. It's been a long gruelling season and it's catching up with us now.

"The players have been magnificent, I'm not going to stand here and be overly critical of them. Today wasn't due to a lack of fight, I just thought St Mirren were better at the ugly parts of the game. Today they got the better of us. We won the previous four, St Mirren won the fifth.

"We knew what was at stake for ourselves today but I think this group of players, having done what we've done off the back of just being promoted, I can't criticise the players too much.

"The last three performances haven't been what we want them to be and I sense the frustration from the supporters and rightly so. But sometimes you have to put your hands up and say you were beaten by the better team."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Had United won, they would have been guaranteed at least a fifth-place Premiership finish and European football.

But poor defending, coupled with a lack of cutting edge at the top end of the pitch, consigned them to another post-split defeat.

Jonah Ayunga was able to pick up the ball in space inside United's penalty area under little pressure to help the Buddies on their way to their first goal, and the winger was left in acres of space when he grabbed St Mirren's second.

In fact, Ayunga had the ball in the net for a third goal for the visitors but he was marginally offside in the build-up.

United's top scorer Sam Dalby had numerous chances, particularly in the second half, but couldn't direct any of them on target.

As a result, Jim Goodwin's side have set themselves up for a fight to secure European football in their final two games.

Luton Town have triggered a contract option for goalkeeper Jack Walton, who has been on loan at Dundee United for the past two seasons. (The Courier - subscription required), external

Read the rest of Saturday's Scottish gossip.

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Dundee United defender Ross Graham (hamstring) is unlikely to feature again this season while Luca Stephenson (hernia) is absent.

Manager Jim Goodwin is optimistic Emmanuel Adegboyega, Declan Gallagher and Sam Cleall-Harding will shake off fitness issues.

St Mirren pair Mark O'Hara and Ryan Alebiosu are doubtful and Owen Oseni is unavailable. However, Evan Mooney is back training following an ankle injury and could be included in the squad.

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Dundee United captain Ross Docherty has expressed a desire to stay at Tannadice beyond this season.

Docherty, 32, signed for United in 2023 having left Partick Thistle and was part of the side that won the Scottish Championship last season.

The midfielder has been dogged by injury this term, making just 12 starts, and is battling to convince manager Jim Goodwin he deserves to be kept on.

"Obviously, my contract is up in a few weeks," Docherty said.

"This is a huge club - it's the reason I came. For me, it's been a privilege being here and if I can stay it would be amazing.

"It's just about focusing on these next few games and that's what the manager's message has been. You want to do that anyway because there's so much at stake, you're really focused on that.

"We'll have a chat at the end of the season and see what happens."

Docherty has not given up on United finishing third this season, but says even fourth or fifth place would be "amazing".

United sit fifth - six points behind third-place Hibs - with three matches to play and can guarantee European football with victory over St Mirren on Saturday.

"Before the split, we were targeting that third spot," Docherty said. "I'm not saying it's completely done now but it's going to be very difficult. We'll try and get third, and if we do, it would be unbelievable.

"Even still, if we can get fourth or fifth for this club it would be amazing. From where this club was a year ago, it would be an amazing achievement.

"Being the captain of the club for the last couple of years has been a huge honour. It's been a long journey and we've stuck together so I'm hoping that we can push through for the last few games and get that spot."

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Jim Goodwin says securing European football would be the "icing on the cake" for Dundee United this season and "make a significant difference" to his summer transfer budget.

United will guarantee a top-five finish and a place in Europe if they beat St Mirren on Saturday.

"We've had a really good season, I'm pleased with what we've done up to now to put ourselves in this position," said manager Goodwin.

"Top six was probably above most people's expectations for this group this season and we achieved that but we don't want to just fizzle out.

"We want to try and pick up as many points as we can between now and the end of the season, the onus is on us being the home team to go and try and get the result.

"It [European football] would be a great achievement for everyone at the club.

"There's been a lot of hard work behind the scenes, the players receive a lot of the plaudits because they're the ones who are going out there and performing every week and winning games.

"The season as a whole has been really, really positive but European football would just be the icing on the cake.

"It's something that a lot of the group haven't done before, financially everybody knows that the prize money can make a significant difference especially when you're going into the summer transfer window with regards to budgets and everything else like that. It would play a real key part.

"We're not there, we've never assumed for one moment that we were, we always knew it was going to be a fight right until the end and we're very much in it."

While skipper Ross Docherty is still fighting to prove he deserves a future at Tannadice, Goodwin is keen to keep forward Glenn Middleton beyond this season.

"I think Glenn has had a really good season," Goodwin said. "He has been very consistent in the main.

"His goals contribution in terms of assists has been very productive and that's what you look for from your forward players.

"He's one I think has further development left in him. Hopefully we can sit down with Glenn and his representatives and get him to commit to Dundee United again next season."

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before Saturday's visit of St Mirren.

Here are the key lines from his press conference:

• United are "still hurting" after shipping eight goals in defeats to Hibs and Celtic in the past two games.

• Goodwin praised Stephen Robinson's St Mirren for their "physicality" and despite winning all three fixtures against the Buddies so far this season without conceding any goals, United are braced for a "battle".

• A win would guarantee at least fifth - and a place in Europe - for United but a loss would mean St Mirren are only two points behind and Goodwin insists his side have exceeded expectations by finishing in the top six.

• He adds: "European football would just be the icing on the cake, we always knew it was going to be a fight right until the end and we're very much in it."

• Goodwin is keen to secure Glenn Middleton, who is out of contract this summer, on an extended deal, saying the winger has been "very productive" in terms of assists and "still has further development left in him".

• On captain Ross Dochery, whose deal also expires this summer, Goodwin says the midfielder has been "unfortunate" with injuries but is "very influential" when fit and adds: "Ross knows the situation also. We'll sit down with him at the end of the season and have the conversation that we need to have."

• Owner Mark Ogren is coming to Scotland next week and Goodwin says: "We'll have a conversation with regards to what the recruitment strategy is going to be, what the budget looks like. Of course we'll have a clearer indication to what that budget will be once we know exactly where we're going to be."

• He adds: "The European money is quite significant and would make a huge difference in terms of the players we might be able to attract."

• It was a "no-brainer" to send "terrific" 20-year-old Miller Thomson on loan to Falkirk amid interest from other clubs and manager John McGlynn has done a "remarkable" job in steering the Bairns to the Championship title.

• Goodwin praised young players Owen Stirton and Ruairidh Adams after their spells at Montrose and Kelty respectively: "These players off the back of these loans have been called in to the Scotland set-up and had international recognition which is fantastic for raising their own profiles but also for their development."

• "Important" defender Ross Graham is likely out for the remainder of the season.

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• Dundee United have won all three of their league games against St Mirren this season; the last side the Tangerines won four times against in a single top-flight campaign were Aberdeen in 1998-99.

• St Mirren have only lost one of their past five away league games at Dundee United (W3 D1), although that was their most recent in November this season (2-0).

• Dundee United have lost their past two league games by an aggregate score of 8-1, and could lose three in a row for only the second time this season, having last done so in February.

• St Mirren have only suffered one defeat in their last six league games (W3 D2), although that was their last away game at Dundee in April (2-0).

• Mikael Mandron has scored four goals in his past three away league starts for St Mirren, while 83% of his Scottish Premiership goals this season have come on the road (5/6), the highest ratio of any of the 41 players with 5+ goals in the competition this term.