Dundee United

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "I didn't realise it had been nearly 30 years since we won away from home in Europe.

"It's a great result for this new group of players. Any game away from home in Europe is extremely difficult, there are no easy ties.

"On paper people would have looked at the game and thought it should be straightforward but Strassen were technically very good. They're no mugs so we're delighted with the result and clean sheet but we know we have to improve. We were really untidy on the ball, maybe that was a case of nerves.

"Over the two ties I don't think anybody could argue we deserved to go through. Neither performance was perfect, we've got a lot to learn and we need to do it quickly.

"There are definitely things we need to brush up on. We were very untidy on the ball. When we did play and pass the ball quickly we got into dangerous areas but [Yevhenii] Kucherenko, over the two legs, has had very little to do."

Brian McLauchlin in Luxembourg
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Jim Goodwin wants to see a sharper and calmer Dundee United tonight as they bid to avoid a European shock in Luxembourg.

United lead UNA Strassen 1-0 from the home leg of the Conference League second-round qualifier and boss Goodwin said: "I thought they finished the game strongly at Tannadice.

"I don't know whether there was a little bit of nervousness and anxiety creeping in from our players.

"We discussed that after the game. We need to be a little bit calmer in those situations and not be slashing at things as much and try and get a bit more control.

"But they didn't catch us by surprise the other night. We prepared for a difficult game. I think they're a really well-coached team. They've got some really good, experienced players.

"The pleasing aspect of last week was we limited them to only two shots on target. We had eight or nine shots on target and should have taken at least another two or three of those good opportunities. We've tried to work on that during the week and hopefully that will show in the game."

Defender Vicko Sevelj is wary of Strassen's quality but convinced United will advance.

"We learned are really composed on the ball and can play good football," said the Croat.

"It will be a very tough game but we'll give everything for this shirt and I think we'll go through. That's a big achievement for us."

Brian McLauchlin in Luxembourg
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Jim Goodwin has been speaking to BBC Scotland before the second leg of Dundee United's Conference League qualifier away to UNA Strassen on Thursday.

Here are the key lines from the United boss:

• Goodwin says it will be "like a home game" for his side with over 1,000 United fans in attendance and adds: "We need to make sure that we put on a performance that justifies the level of travel and financial commitment these guys have made."

• Ryan Strain, Max Watters and Dario Naamo are struggling with contact injuries. Goodwin says: "It's very frustrating that we don't have all of our players available to us, but I do believe we've got enough within the squad."

• On fielding no Scots in his starting XI last week and signing 11 non-native players this summer: "I'd be lying if I said that the financials didn't play a part in it. We believe that there's really good value on the continent for players, but we're not dismissing the Scottish market. We have made offers to Scottish players over the course of the summer and unfortunately those players have chosen to either go to England or Europe, which is their right."

• The United boss adds: "If [captain] Ross Graham was fit he would have been playing. Owen Stirton came off the bench, he's one of the youngest homegrown players to play for Dundee United in Europe in about 20 years. Kai Fotheringham, Miller Thomson, they're all really good members of our squad that have come through the academy system. So I do think people are making a little bit too much of it. Other teams in the Premiership are doing similar business to ourselves."

• Goodwin felt anxiety crept into his players in the closing stages of the 1-0 first-leg win and has urged them to be "calmer" and "not slashing at things" and take more of their chances.

• He denies Strassen took United by surprise: "Technically and tactically, they're a very good outfit. So we're expecting another difficult game here."

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Might a lack of creativity cause Dundee United stress against UNA Strassen in Luxembourg on Thursday night?

Jim Goodwin's new-look side still have work to do after Zac Sapsford's debut goal earned a 1-0 win in the first leg of the Conference League second-round qualifier at Tannadice last week.

"I think this is where Dundee United might struggle," said Scottish coach and analyst John Walker on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"When they got into that final third, I felt like it was half chances they were creating. There wasn't really any opening.

"There wasn't sustained pressure where I felt they were going to score two, three, four or five. The other team were in the game, although they didn't create much themselves.

"I expect Dundee United to be able to scrape through this one. They will have enough to dig in."

Paul McNicoll
Fan writer

Where will you finish in the league and why?

I have a sneaking suspicion United will finish in the bottom six this season. Yes, I know that may sound defeatist, and I truly hope I am wrong. But it looks from the outside that the top five will be all the big spenders, and then, if last season is anything to go by, there really isn't much between the rest of the sides.

Jim Goodwin has been tasked with building a new team yet again and I suspect the law of averages will kick us in the pants at some point in that a few of players may not quite live up to our hopes and expectations.

I'm going to say we'll finish seventh, but please feel free to prove me wrong lads, and by that, I do mean finish higher up the table not lower.

Who is the best signing or has he not signed yet and who should it be?

Bert Esselink. The big, strong colossus from the Netherlands has been a standout at the back so far, albeit I'm referring to pre-season games and one Conference League match. But from the small sample size of evidence of this season's new recruits, he does look to be a class above.

What do you want from your manager this season?

A great question, and tricky to answer. Most fans will say they want progress year upon year, but Goodwin managing the team to fourth place last season was probably above and beyond where he would have thought the team would finish. If he was to consolidate the team's place in the top half, I don't think any fans would be upset.

Also, and this is a big one, we need to do better in cup competitions. A little trip to Hampden, and not to play Queen's Park, would not go amiss.

Who will be the breakout star in your squad?

I hope, and believe it can be, Owen Stirton. Owen is highly rated at United, and I'm sure by other clubs, and after a successful loan spell at Montrose last year he has come back to Tannadice in great shape and has developed physically over the last few months too.

He's a goalscoring striker and also has that little selfish streak about him when it comes to 'getting a shot way' being his main focus. I like that in my strikers, and if he gets a chance in the team, I can only see him being a success.

What is your one major concern?

Creativity. We have brought in a couple of wingers this summer, so perhaps that is how we hope to craft chances and goals for our strikers. But from what I have seen so far we have a very hard-working midfield that lacks someone who will put their foot on the ball, split open a defence with a pass, and change the game in the blink of an eye.

Now that I have typed that out and it's not just in my head, I would imagine most teams in the SPFL also have that issue.

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

New Dundee United defender Krisztian Keresztes, 25, already wants an extended stay at Tannadice. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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Kilmarnock will host Dundee United in an all top-flight match in the second round of the League Cup.

As a European participant, Dunee United enter the competition at this stage, while Killie topped their group under new manager Stuart Kettlewell.

Ties are due to be played on the weekend of 16th/17th August.

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We asked for your views on Dundee's United 1-0 victory over UNA Strassen at Tannadice in the first leg of the Conference League qualifier.

Here's what some of you said.

Calum: We looked like exactly what we are - a team that hasn't played together and lacks sharpness. The back three were solid but I'm struggling to say much else positive. Zac Sapsford took his goal well. We should definitely have enough to get through this round but we'll need to improve quickly to have any chance against Rapid Vienna.

Kenny: Really disappointed in the manner the team played, especially in the first half. We gave them far too much respect and stood off them too much. The second leg will be tough as they look a very competent side.

George: It's a new team and early in the season so not surprising we didn't quite get the desired result. Enough to show that there is the basis of a good team though. Let's finish the job over there and set us up for another great season.

Alan: I don't want to be judging these players too harshly as it's still early days and trying to get 11 new players to gel in a few weeks is a tough ask. I'm hoping the nerves that come with a European fixture will settle now they have a competitive game under their belts. It was a tough watch at times but still trying to be positive as there is a lot of promise there when the team gets up to speed. If we play like we did in the first half every game though, the likes of Celtic and Rangers will absolutely murder us!

Kenny: A win's a win but we should have put the tie to bed. The defence looked strong. The cohesion up the park wasn't there because it's basically a brand new team. We need to be ruthless next week. Game on, United!

Grant: We Dundee United fans are a nervy bunch. Taking a lead to the away leg is great, but I think everyone should be aware that UNA Strassen would have been content taking a 1-0 defeat back home for the final leg.

Richard Winton
BBC Sport Scotland at Tannadice

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Vicko Sevelj has vowed Dundee United will improve on their opening performance of the season and progress past UNA Strassen in the Conference League.

Zac Sapsford's goal is all that separates the sides going into next Thursday's second leg in Luxembourg, with United spurning a number of chances.

However, while acknowledging their failings, midfielder Sevelj says a recast United side will grow as the weeks go on.

"In parts of the game, we should have been better and we spoke about that in the dressing room, but it's early in the season and we will improve," the Croat said.

"We have a positive result at home and a new game to come in seven days and I think we will manage to go through."

Richard Winton
BBC Sport Scotland at Tannadice

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Craig Sibbald insists Dundee United were not surprised by the quality of UNA Strassen after they edged to a 1-0 win over their visitors from Luxembourg in the first leg of their Conference League second qualifying round tie.

Zac Sapsford's goal is all that separates the sides going into next Thursday's second leg in Differdange.

And Sibbald says United will face another tricky test.

"We knew it would be tough," he told BBC Sport Scotland.

"We'd watched them all week and expected a fast start from them and they didn't disappoint.

"It would have been nice to get the second goal, and we need to be more clinical, but we're a new team."

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin hopes to learn the extent of new signing Max Watters' injury on Friday after the 26-year-old forward came off eight minutes into his substitute appearance in the Conference League qualifying first-leg victory over UNA Strassen. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland at Tannadice

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Striker Zac Sapsford says it was "a great feeling" to score the winning goal against UNA Strassen on his Dundee United debut at an "incredible" Tannadice.

The Australian finished sharply two minutes after the break to clinch victory in the Conference League second qualifying round first leg.

Sapsford, who arrived on a three-year deal from Western Sydney Wanderers this summer, revealed his mum was over from Australia to watch his debut strike.

"It was a good game. A tough game, to be fair," Sapsford said.

"We're disappointed we didn't make it two, three, or four heading to Luxembourg. 1-0 isn't too bad so we can hopefully go there and finish the job.

"I'm a striker, I love scoring goals and go get a winner is a great feeling but there's more work to do in Luxembourg.

"It was incredible [Tannadice]. Everyone told me it's amazing. I had goosebumps walking out hearing the fans scream.

"I've honestly never heard a stadium like that, it was crazy."

United fans, were you at the game on Thursday night or following the action from home? Either way we want your views on the game.

How are you feeling about the away leg? What did you make of the new signings?

Have your say

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "We're pleased with the clean sheet, scored a really good goal but I think there's certain elements we need to do better.

"I thought we turned over possession far too cheaply at times but I thought defensively we were very very good. There were moments in the game we need to improve. We've left a couple of goals out there at least, Vicko Sevelj has a great chance in the first half, Owen Stirton is unlucky in the second half, the goalkeeper made a good save.

"I would certainly rather be sitting here with a three-goal advantage. At 1-0 it's still very much game on.

"The disappointment is more the fact that we didn't do ourselves justice in the second half in terms of our possession on the ball. We were too sloppy, that's something we'll try and improve.

"It's the first opportunity for the players to play in front of a near enough full house. We've had a terrific pre-season, we've played some really really good football in all of the games we've been involved in and we'll learn from tonight's fixture.

"I don't mean to sound all doom and gloom I'm just a little bit disappointed we didn't make the tie a little bit more comfortable for ourselves for taking one or two of those chances.

"There are certainly positives we can take but there's a hell of a lot we need to do better at.

"The squad, if everybody is fit, is really strong. Tonight we tried to make a sub to freshen things up and get Max Watters on the pitch and within a few minutes he takes a really sore one on the knee so we'll need to assess that. It would be unlikely for us to have any new signings in before the next game."

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UNA Strassen earned their chance of Conference League qualification thanks to a second-placed Luxembourg National Division finish last term - making it the best campaign in the club's 103-year history.

This is just their second tie in European competition, having lost 5-0 on aggregate to Finnish side Kuopion Palloseura (KuPS) last July.

Brazilian forward Matheus was the top flight's leading scorer last term, netting 23 times in 30 appearances.

French duo Zachary Hadji and Nicholas Perez scored 11 and nine respectively as they finished 18 points adrift of champions FC Differdange 03.

"Technically, they look a good team," said Goodwin. "They look well coached as well, there's a real understanding in their patterns of play."

Average attendances for the National Division are just over 400 but the game has come a long way since Chelsea thrashed Jeunesse Hautcharage 21-0 over two legs in 1971.

Dudelange stunned Salzburg in 2012, Differdange eliminated Utrecht in 2013 and, of course, Rangers fell to an infamous Europe League qualifying defeat to Progres Niederkorn four years later.

Dudelange became the first team from Luxembourg to go beyond the qualifiers, getting to the group phase of the Europa League in 2019-20.

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Newly-appointed captain Ross Graham is a "big loss" to Dundee United after being ruled out for three months following hamstring surgery, says manager Jim Goodwin.

Academy graduate Graham, 24, was appointed skipper of his boyhood club this week, but will be sidelined until late October.

Goodwin admitted the defender has had a recurring injury over the past 10 months and it "affected him greatly" in the second half of last season.

The latest setback came in the friendly with Oldham Athletic on Sunday.

Goodwin, speaking before Thursday's Conference League qualifier first leg against UNA Strassen at Tannadice, said: "He's seen some specialists and had surgery to the hamstring.

"Hopefully, over the next two to three months, he will make a complete recovery. He will be back and available to play for us somewhere around the end of October.

"It's a big loss for us as a group. Particularly for myself having made him club captain."

Graham is the first homegrown captain of the club this century and although he won't be on the pitch, Goodwin is adamant he'll still have an impact on the squad.

"He's a local lad," he added. "He knows what the club means to the supporters and he's able to relay that message to all of the players.

"As much as he's not going to be out there with us on the pitch for a considerable period of time, his presence will still be felt within the dressing room.

"He'll continue to encourage the players and drive them on to success."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before the first leg of Dundee United's Conference League second round qualifying tie against UNA Strassen on Thursday night.

Here are the key points from the Tannadice boss:

• Goodwin says United are "very confident" and "have a lot of belief" within the group of progressing from this "massive yet difficult" tie.

• The manager admitted United are "heavy favourites on paper" but "haven't been planning for the game with that mindset".

• He says there is "a little bit of added pressure" because "we all want Scottish teams to be successful in Europe".

• Ross Graham, who was named the new United captain this week, has had hamstring surgery and will be out until "around the end of October".

• The defender will be "a big loss" but it was "an easy decision" for Goodwin to give him the armband.

• The manager thanked his analyst who did the "difficult job" of finding footage of Strassen. The team from Luxembourg are "well coached, technically look good and have a real understanding in their patterns of play".

• Having made 11 signings so far this summer, Goodwin expects to add "a couple" more new recruits in the next few weeks, but stressed that because of the "good business" done early in the window, it is "not panic station".

We asked for your views on Dundee United's potential next opponents in Europe, should they dispatch UNA Strassen.

Progress as expected and Jim Goodwin's side will take on either Decic of Montenegro or Rapid Vienna of Austria.

Here's how some of you reacted:

Gary: Will take that. Goodwin has built a good squad. We have a solid team at the back. Onwards and upwards. Could have been worse, AZ Alkmaar were next out of the hat.

John: Hoping it is Rapid Vienna should we progress. Would be difficult but a great away trip experience.

George: A tie against Rapid would evoke memories of the great European nights at Tannadice. Sure, it would be a tough draw but that would make victory over the two legs all the sweeter. And if we lose on aggregate? Well, it's not one we'd be expected to win. All of this is predicated on beating UNA Strassen, of course.

Ross: Personally, would like to enjoy the fixture we are guaranteed before we start getting ahead of ourselves. Would be amazing to be involved in another tie, but let's just enjoy what is in front of us.

Matthew: Rapid would likely be the tougher opponent if we get through. However, like every competition you enter, you enter believing you can win. So crack on United, let no team scare us.

Clive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland

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Dundee United will be kicking themselves if they do not at least reach the Conference League third qualifying round.

It is nearly 40 years since the Tannadice club followed up their place in the European Cup last-four by reaching the Uefa Cup final.

They have failed to win a European tie in six attempts since their last win - against Principat of Andorra in 1997 - and they languish at 238th in the current rankings.

However, that is still 166 places above opponents Strassen, who have only ever played one other tie in European competition - when they lost 5-0 to Finnish side Kuopion Palloseura (KuPS) after a goalless draw at home in last season's first qualifying round.

Arno Bonvini's side have since finished runners-up in their domestic league - their best-ever performance - but they are a squad without notable names, with six summer exits being replaced with six additions, all from within Luxembourg.

Jim Goodwin's United ought to progress, but Rapid Vienna, who reached the Conference League quarter-finals last season, or Decic, who won the Montenegrin title two seasons ago, lie in wait.

Celtic will at least drop to the Europa League and Aberdeen to the Conference League if they lose their play-off ties, but the other clubs three face a rocky road to follow them into the league stages on what Scotland's Coefficient fears is a European "cliff edge".

Read the full European round up