Dundee United

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Dundee United have had a fine return to the Premiership. Their current spot of fifth – just three points behind third-place Hibs – is excellent.

But there are a couple of things that will be concerning their fans and manager Jim Goodwin.

A large part of what they have achieved this season has been based on having a solid defence, at least until recently.

They have shipped 12 goals in the past five leagues games and 16 in seven.

Home form has also dropped off significantly. Following Sunday's chastening derby defeat the Tangerines have now won just two of their past eight games at Tannadice.

Those two issues are a dangerous combination – and the fact they have surfaced at the business end of the season will give Goodwin plenty to ponder.

In fact, more generally their form has been poor – just two wins from 10 Premiership outings.

The big positive is that United remain very well placed, largely due to the points amassed earlier in the season.

Their objective at the start of the campaign was simply to stay in the top division – but that target shifted as United exceeded expectations.

And while they remain very much involved in the fight for Europe they also now find themselves embroiled in a battle to stay in the top six.

Goodwin will use the international break to try to come up with a way of resolving the issues that have troubled his team.

If he can come up with the answers, there is no reason why his side can't be involved in the Euro shakedown.

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Thirty eight years ago Barcelona's Terry Venables, Gary Lineker, Mark Hughes and co were taught a tangerine lesson on the Nou Camp turf.

Jim McLean's Dundee United didn't travel light, as they carried a 1-0 advantage from the first leg of their Uefa Cup quarter-final, thanks to Kevin Gallacher's astonishing early goal at Tannadice.

This was a Barca side who had been just a penalty shootout away from winning the previous season's European Cup.

As expected from a team peppered with Spain internationals, as well as the two Britons up top, they hit back at home in the first half through Ramon Caldere.

Keep the heid, don't panic.

As the clock ticked down closer towards the 90, the hardy band of United supporters in the far-from-full Nou Camp could be heard biting their nails.

Then, John Clark tucked the ball into the back of the net. Again, as expected, a Barca onslaught arrived.

Until Ian Ferguson poked in another four minutes later to start the party.

Yet another incredible European challenge checked off. The reward? Another to add to the pile.

Borussia Monchengladbach were seen to though, and United's place in the final was sealed.

And that's where the story ends, right? Gothenburg never happened...

Paul McNicoll
Fan writer

Let's start this week with a football fact: Derbies are a football fan's emotional rollercoaster.

They're the best games to win and the absolute worst to lose. And on Sunday, United lost theirs in the most painful way imaginable.

Put simply, the team just didn't show up. They were outworked, outfought, outplayed and basically out-everything-ed. If there had been a competition for losing in style, United would have swept the board.

What makes it even more baffling is the performance was completely out of character. A one-off, an anomaly… at least that's what I told myself in order to get a sleep on Sunday night.

But here's the hard truth: United have now lost eight of their past 11 games.

On paper, that's the kind of record that makes you wonder if they've been taking tactical advice from a Magic 8 Ball. Yet, strangely, it hasn't really felt that bad. Not exactly vintage form, but not a full-blown crisis either.

That said, facts don't lie and the facts are dreadful. You don't need to be Nostradamus to know that's relegation form.

The general consensus among Tangerines is United have had a very good season up to now. But since the turn of the year, the tangerine bubble seems dangerously close to bursting, and not in a fun, party-popper way.

The good news? There are still eight games left to turn things around. A top-six finish, which once seemed nailed on, now looks about as secure as a chocolate teapot.

If United slip out of that position and into the bottom half, it would be a massive disappointment.

Sure, that might sound harsh for a newly-promoted side, but after the position we put ourselves in, it would feel like being promised a beach holiday and ending up in a damp caravan in Skegness.

But hey, that's all hypothetical for now. If we can return from Dingwall in a couple of weeks with a much-needed three points, the mood music will switch from Coldplay to Pharrell Williams. Over to you, lads. Time to make us happy.

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

Former referee Keith Hackett has suggested the penalty and red card conceded by Dundee United defender Emmanuel Adeboyega in the city derby would not have been given in England and any appeal would fail. (Football Insider), external

Ross Graham insists United have the character to recover from Sunday's derby loss to Dundee. (Record), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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• Dundee have won at Tannadice for the first time since August 2004.

• Dundee have beaten Dundee United for the first time in the Premiership since 2 May 2016, a run of five games without a win.

• Dundee United have conceded six penalties in the league this season, only St Mirren (eight) have conceded more.

• Nick Walsh has given five red cards in 19 Premiership games this season, no referee has given more.

Watch highlights as Dundee score four to win a thrilling derby at Tannadice. (UK only)

We asked you for your views following Dundee United's derby defeat to Dundee.

Here's what some of you said:

Ross: Second in every department, except basic defensive errors as United won that hands down. Outfought, outplayed (in the first half especially) and just, it appeared, neither on it nor up for it.

Although it feels more than three points lost, it's more bragging rights lost but upcoming games get the same three points to play for. Don't let the good season slip away.

Denis: We were shambolic. Too many long balls and no one in midfield controlling the play. Substitutes were ineffective, too. Our home record at Tannadice this season is shocking.

Chris: I would admit that I did not see that result coming, but the performance was of greater concern. As the season end gets closer it would appear the position the lads had worked so hard to put themselves in is now in jeopardy. It's not too late though to get a couple more wins to secure top six, but fingers crossed for that third place!

Rebecca: Undoubtedly the worst derby performance I've ever seen as well as one of the worst United one's in my lifetime. Utterly hopeless in the first half to the point that only being two goals down was generous to us. We can't have a performance that bad ever again.

Jamie: Made a poor Dundee side look good by gifting all four goals. Strain, awful yet again. Ferry's worst performance - has been a standout so can be forgiven. Campbell, dreadful. Side note: can referees stop being so afraid of Simon Murray, and can someone tell Sylla he's 6'4 and doesn't need to hit the deck when a player breathes near him?

George: One team fighting for survival the other being told all week they are overachieving, this is what happens. Jim needs to get back to the players who did so well at the start of the season, otherwise we'll miss out on top six.

Dave: Bewilderingly poor in defence first half. Walton has been overrated for too long and was clearly rattled after his epic fumble of an easy save. Second half was a good effort to retrieve a dire situation but spoiled by utter stupidity in the last minute. We're struggling just now.

Dundee United produced their worst 45 minutes of the season in an error-strewn defensive performance against Dundee. (The Courier)

Read the rest of Monday's gossip.

United fans, were you at Tannadice or following the action from home? Either way we want to know what you made of the game. How are you feeling about top six now? What did you make of your team's performance?

Have your say on the game, external.

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "The opening 45 period was completely unaceptable in every department.

"I could have made a whole load of changes at half-time but we gave the players 10 minutes to show a positive reaction and we got that.

"Every mistake that we made in the first half, Dundee capitalised on it. A free header for the first goal, a mistake from Jack Walton [for the second] who has been outstanding all season, Will Ferry runs the ball [for the third]. All of those really avoidable on our part.

"We were second best in that first half. It's unacceptable in a game of this magnitude.

"We haven't been as bad as that all season. It's really out of character. We spoke about not having a repeat performance [of the Cup performance at Dens] and for the life of me, it's so hard to put your finger on why."

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

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Dundee were superb, yes, but United manager Jim Goodwin will look back on the first-half concessions with dismay.

They looked rushed, panicked and overwhelmed by Dundee's fast start and coughed up possession in dangerous areas an alarming amount.

Walton made an uncharacteristic error for Scott Tiffoney's goal and Jordan McGhee was twice left unmarked to score.

Emmanuel Adegboyega's decision to push Simon Murray late on was a daft act, one borne out of his side's desperation to level perhaps, but he will now miss United's trip to Dingwall after the international break.

With the league as tightly packed as it is and only three matches until the split, Goodwin's side will be sweating over their league position.

A difficult visit to Tynecastle follows before they host St Johnstone, with seventh-placed Motherwell just three points back.

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has rated Declan Gallagher, Will Ferry, Ross Docherty and Louis Moult as 50-50 to feature.

Dundee midfielder Scott Fraser could face his former club after a groin injury, while Jordan McGhee (Achilles) will be given every chance.

Antonio Portales (calf), Seb Palmer-Houlden (knee), Clark Robertson (hamstring) and Billy Koumetio (ankle) remain out.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United winger Glenn Middleton says he "definitely" would be keen to extend his stay at the club, adding it has been a "privilege" to be part of the Tangerines' dressing room.

The 25-year-old's current deal is up in the summer and while there is no update on what will happen after that, Middleton has admitted he would be keen to stick around at Tannadice.

"Definitely, I think anyone just wants to be happy and play football," Middleton said when asked if he'd like to extend his stay in Dundee.

"Everyone likes to be settled and that is what I have been the last couple of years and for what it is worth I am grateful for that.

"I think the best way to look at it from my point of view, and every other player I guess throughout the whole of football, is you have got an opportunity every weekend to show what you can do.

"That is just the attitude that I am sure myself and everyone else is using, just focussing on what you can do on the pitch and showing what you are capable of doing."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin says he has "loved every minute" of his two years at Tannadice and believes his team are overachieving at present.

Goodwin took over in March 2023 but was unable to steer them clear of the drop.

However, they bounced back in the best possible fashion, winning the Championship at the first attempt, and are now flying high, sitting fifth in the top flight, just two points off third-placed Hibs.

United host neighbours Dundee on Sunday and Goodwin is relishing the challenge as his side try to secure their top-six status.

"I am delighted to be here, I have loved every minute of being manager of this club," he said. "It is just over two years since I joined and it has been really positive.

"Off the back of the relegation, what we have done since then in terms of restructuring of the club and rebuilding the squad to put us in this position.

"I would say we have probably overachieved in terms of where we should be or where we probably believed we would be at this point.

"So it has been terrific, I have loved it and I am really excited for the game on Sunday."

Goodwin believes matches like the Dundee derby help promote Scottish football, with Celtic and Rangers also meeting on Sunday.

"I think the league this season is brilliant," he said. "It is great to have all of the regional derbies that we have, with the Glasgow clubs, with the Edinburgh clubs and ourselves here.

"I think it is better for our competition as a whole in terms of the marketing of the product, hence why the game is live on the TV."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premiership derby with Dundee at Tannadice.

Here are the key points from the United boss:

• Goodwin says it is the "biggest game of the season" – with "lots at stake for both clubs".

• Ross Docherty, Louis Moult, Will Ferry, Ross Graham and Declan Gallagher are all "touch and go" for the match.

• While United have just one league win in six games, Goodwin is happy with their performances in the past three and says "we are in a good place".

• He isn't getting "bogged down" with league positions, but knows "things are in our own hands" as they look to guarantee a top-six slot.

• United are "still hurting from the cup exit at Dens" and the manager insists they are determined to "make amends for that one".

• Goodwin is "surprised" to see Dundee struggling in second bottom and adds: "I think a lot of people out there will be surprised given the level of investment that was made in the squad in the summer."

• It is just over two years since Goodwin took charge at United and he has "loved every minute".

Colin Moffat
BBC Sport Scotland

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On Sunday, Dundee's city neighbours meet for the fourth, and most likely last, time this season, with concerns in different halves of the league, but the same burning desire for derby day success.

Dundee's need seems more urgent as they bid to get out of the relegation play-off spot, but United are in the thick of a tight race for Europe.

United, promoted over the summer, are already just one point shy of the tally that took Dundee to a surprise sixth place last season.

And they have had the better of this fixture in recent times. Unbeaten in their previous five Premiership derbies, the Tannadice men have lost just one of the past 17 at home in the top flight, winning 11.

However, the last meeting went the way of the Dark Blues in the Scottish Cup, with Simon Murray's first-minute header at Dens Park enough.

Cup interest is over now and that leaves Dundee seeking a first league win since 5 January.

Dundee have conceded the most goals in the division, with problems in midfield leaving defenders exposed too often.

United just happen to have the Premiership's top scorer. Sam Dalby has 13 goals, which have been worth 12 points, also a league-high total for any player this term.

Jim Goodwin's side will go long in search of the powerful striker. Dundee know what's coming, but can they deal with the threat at Tannadice?

Read all the weekend Premiership picks

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• Dundee United are unbeaten in their last five Premiership meetings with Dundee (W2 D3), and are looking to win back-to-back derbies against their rivals in the top-flight for the first time since January 2015 under Jackie McNamara.

• After only losing two of their first 10 home league games of this season (W5 D3), United have since lost three of their last four on home soil in the Premiership (W1).

• Dundee have only won one of their last 17 away games at Tannadice in the top-fight (D11 L5), and are winless in 10 (D6 L4) since a 2-1 victory in August 2004 under Jim Duffy.

• Dundee have lost each of their last three away games in the league, last losing more in a row within a single season in the Premiership in January 2022 (five).

• Coming into this round of matches, Sam Dalby is the top scorer in the Scottish Premiership this season with 13 goals, which have been worth 12 points to Dundee United, also a league-high total for any player in the division this term.

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

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It's been 21 long, long years since United lost to Dundee at Tannadice. As Sunday's latest derby looms, we take a look at three of the best for United...

Dundee United 6-2 Dundee (30 August 2019)

Dundee had been relegated the season prior, while United were searching for a way back to the top flight after four years away. After just one derby, the tone for the season was set.

Four goals in the space of 13 minutes from Louis Appere, Lawrence Shankland, Calum Butcher and Ian Harkes put United in command after Butcher and Kane Hemmings traded efforts in the opening quarter.

Andrew Nelson did pull one back for a chastened Dundee, but Cammy Smith scored the sixth to repeat the outcome of the New Year's derby of 2015.

Dundee United 6-2 Dundee (1 January 2015)

That's right, it had happened before!

With no Rangers, Hearts or Hibernian in the league, both teams were tilting at a top-six finish and both managed it, but not without United humiliating their neighbours.

Stuart Armstrong scored after less than a minute, deflecting in a Chris Erskine strike. Dundee managed to equalise, but Gary Mackay-Steven soon re-established the hosts' lead.

Erskine and Mackay-Steven again netted before half-time, Jaroslaw Fojut and Charlie Telfer also scored and Luka Tankulic claimed a late consolation.

Dundee United 2-2 Dundee (20 March 2016)

There's no denying the 2015-16 season was a hard one for United as they went down with a whimper, finishing eight points behind Kilmarnock.

Despite all that, they were determined not to give up their Tannadice record - already 12 years old at that point.

Two first-half strikes from Dundee's Hemmings left United toiling in a feisty match.

But a brace from Billy Mckay - a penalty and a stoppage-time header - ensured Dundee would still be unable to secure bragging rights on Tannadice Street.

Dundee United defensive stalwart Declan Gallagher looks set to be fit for Sunday's derby at Tannadice. (The Courier)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

There's been plenty to chew over during our enforced break in action.

First off, huge well done to Owen Stirton and Sam Harding on their Scotland Under-19 call-ups.

Sam had a brilliant first half of the season at Kelty while Owen has been banging them in up at Montrose - he also picked up the League 1 Player of the month award - so it's great to see the hard work paying dividends.

Young talent emerging is what it's all about, it's something Dundee United have done forever. I'd just like to see them stick around at Tannadice a bit longer than some recent youngsters have.

And now, on to the elephant in the room - Sam Dalby's disallowed goal against Hibs. At the time, anybody who had a couple of working eyeballs could tell you it was a goal.

Until VAR glanced at the ball striking 'something'. That's right, 'something'. Listening back to that audio clip just makes you shake your head and nearly now fully abandon any positive thoughts regarding VAR in Scotland.

We all know that had that goal been valid, we'd have headed home with three points. I'm certain of it. It totally changes the composition of the game. It's another reminder of how much these types of decisions can hang over our season.

Some days, I'm convinced it's like we're fighting more than the opponent.

That being said, the free week, thanks to our early cup exit, is a welcome relief we certainly need to get the walking wounded back.

Declan Gallagher in particular needed the rest after injury last time out and Will Ferry missed out completely. Having the pair of them fully fit is absolutely crucial to the starting 11, and this break couldn't have been better timed.

Hopefully the rest and recovery time will let us come back stronger and ready to push on.

Essentially, it has been a week of conflicting emotions. Pride in our young players, anger at VAR and that daft panel, and relief at some well-deserved rest.

Oh and there is a sold out Dundee derby on the horizon...

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

Celtic have reportedly scouted Dundee United forward Owen Stirton, the 18-year-old forward on loan at Montrose. (National), external

Dundee United winger Glenn Middleton aims to "put things right" in Sunday's Scottish Premiership meeting with Dundee, who knocked United out of the Scottish Cup earlier this season. (Record), external

Lee Wilkie, who featured for both Dundee and United, believes Tangerines supporters would milk every moment of winning the derby, should they secure the three points at the weekend and add to the Dark Blues' woes. (Courier - subscription required), external

Dundee manager Tony Docherty believes the derby is the perfect fixture to turn around the Dark Blues' fortunes. (Record), external

Defender Ryan Astley says Dundee are determined to prove their doubters wrong against United. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip