Dundee United

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  1. 'Fantastic performance' & Graham 'outstanding again'published at 14:41 2 September 2024

    Your views

    United fans, we asked for your views after Sunday's victory over Hearts.

    Here's what some of you had to say:

    Calum: Obviously really happy to remain unbeaten until the international break. The recruitment has been very good, I think Jim Goodwin needs to figure out a way to get the best out of David Babunski as sticking him out wide right isn't working. The team is still getting to know each other but there looks to be a togetherness about the squad.

    Ally: An excellent start to the season. I would definitely have taken eight points before the international break if offered it at the start of the season. The new signings are looking good, we look decent at the back. If I had to fault us, maybe we just need to be more ruthless up top - but that’s being picky! Good to see the natural football order in Dundee restored.

    Stephen: I have been saying it since pre-season but I'm optimistic about this squad. A team that can play, fight and score! It was all about the result but United were strong in defence and carried a threat. Not the goalscorer many would have expected but it's three points from Gorgie for the first time in years!

    Gary: An excellent performance against a poor Hearts side. Ross Graham was outstanding again as were all the United players. United are working hard as a team. Well done to Jim Goodwin on the tactics . A great travelling support yet again.

    Eddie: Great start to the season. The defence is looking stronger week by week. It will be a big test against Rangers though.

    Kenny: What a fantastic performance for the whole team, well done everyone.

  2. Jonathan Sutherland's TOTWpublished at 13:21 2 September 2024

    Jonathan Sutherland's TOTW

    Dimitar Mitov (Aberdeen): Outstanding penalty save was as invaluable to Aberdeen continuing their perfect start to the season.

    Alistair Johnston (Celtic): Standout performer every week. Brings so much energy, power and invention to this Celtic side in defence and attack.

    Liam Scales (Celtic): Outstanding at the back. Shames the doubters continually by never putting a foot wrong.

    Dan Casey (Motherwell): Constant menace in the St Johnstone box, always committed. Plays with fire in his belly.

    Ross Graham (Dundee United): Slotting in as a square peg in a round hole at left-back, the centre-back has become one of United's most solid performers in recent weeks and scored the winner at Hearts.

    Topi Keskinen (Aberdeen): Direct and impactful performance against Ross County. Looks to have really exciting potential.

    Callum McGregor (Celtic): Could have pencilled him in before the match even started. The commander-in-chief of a team in full command of every match they play right now. Another superb performance and another great goal.

    Lyall Cameron (Dundee): Plenty of life after Luke McCowan with this young man in the Dundee midfield. An assist and always full of guile.

    Daizen Maeda (Celtic): Gave Rangers captain James Tavernier another torrid time. His energy and pace on the left gives Celtic such an advantage over Rangers.

    Kyogo Furuhashi (Celtic): Have run out of superlatives for his movement. Phenomenal to have a player like this in Scottish football. Lighting up the game for Celtic in the final third.

    Kevin Nisbet (Aberdeen): What a way to win over the Dons fans. Felt like a statement moment when he struck home the winner deep in injury time in Dingwall. Bojan who?

  3. 'I'd only scored with my head until Sunday' - Grahampublished at 09:51 2 September 2024

    Ross GrahamImage source, SNS

    Until the weekend, Dundee United's Ross Graham had only ever scored with his head.

    But that changed at Tynecastle on Sunday when the centre-back's strike from the edge of the Hearts area bounced past an unsighted Craig Gordon.

    It was the only goal of the game as United extended their unbeaten Premiership start and piled on more misery on Steven Naismith.

    "I'd only ever scored with my head, that is the first goal with my feet," Graham said.

    "I'm happy to pitch in with a goal. It wasn't my best strike but sometimes they go in.

    "We knew we were getting [Hearts] at a good time as they have not been in good form lately, but we also know that will change sometime.

    "Thankfully it wasn't today."

  4. Highlights: Hearts 0-1 Dundee Unitedpublished at 08:16 2 September 2024

    Media caption,

    Watch highlights as Dundee United win away to Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.

    Available to UK users only.

  5. Hearts 0-1 Dundee United: Have your saypublished at 17:34 1 September 2024

    Have your say

    Hearts suffered their sixth defeat in a row as Dundee United maintained their strong Scottish Premiership return to move up to third going into the international break.

    Both sides missed chances at Tynecastle, breaking forward freely but looking blunt in the final third, before Ross Graham's trundling effort in the 77th minute caught out the unsighted Craig Gordon.

    What did you make of that, United fans? Ever in doubt of a result at Tynecastle?

    Who impressed you most, and where was that game won?

    Let us know your thoughts, external.

  6. Hearts 0-1 Dundee United: What the manager saidpublished at 17:33 1 September 2024

    Jim GoodwinImage source, SNS

    Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin tells BBC Scotland: "Really pleased with the overall performance.

    "We're aware of the fact that Hearts were on a difficult run and that makes the challenge more difficult because you expect a reaction.

    "Thankfully today it didn't happen against us. Defensively the shape of the team was excellent and we had dangerous attacks throughout the 90 minutes on the counter.

    "But for better decision-making, we might have have got the goal earlier. It's another clean sheet for us. That's three in a row against stiff opposition.

    "We can enjoy the next 10 days or so, relax a wee bit.

    "Considering we brought 13 new faces in over the summer, for them to have gelled so quickly together and have such a good team culture, it's a credit to the backroom staff."

  7. Hearts 0-1 Dundee United: Analysispublished at 17:26 1 September 2024

    Andrew Petrie
    BBC Sport Scotland

    Eight points in the first four games, and unbeaten at the first international break. Jim Goodwin would have bitten your hand off for that at the start of the year.

    On paper, they started for the third week in a row with two full-backs and four centre-backs in the starting XI - although that's because Kevin Holt is being deployed in midfield.

    That consistency in selection has led to a consistency of performance at the back. They look very hard to break down, if a little uneasy going forward.

    Kristijan Trapanovski started to tire, while Jort van der Sande was well dealt with by Frankie Kent. The goal came in rather fortuitous circumstances, but they didn't often look like conceding.

  8. Hearts 0-1 Dundee United: Who impressed?published at 17:24 1 September 2024

    Kristijan TrapanovskiImage source, SNS

    Kristijan Trapanovski. This could have gone towards one of United's back three, who made sure that Jack Walton had very little to do, but Trapanovski was once again the best outball for the visitors.

    Apart from his chance at the very start of his second-half, when he squandered a two-on-one, he impressed with a few brilliant crosses and a willingness to take his man on.

  9. Hearts v Dundee United: Team newspublished at 23:41 31 August 2024

    Tynecastle general viewImage source, SNS

    Hearts hope to have Lawrence Shankland back after a knee injury while Andres Salazar is available after not being registered for the Europa League. Liam Boyce will be assessed after going off injured against Plzen while Calem Nieuwenhof (hamstring) and Beni Baningime (knee) are still out.

    Dundee United expect to have everyone available apart from Ryan Strain (hamstring).

  10. Listen to bonus transfer deadline day Scottish Football Podcastpublished at 16:49 31 August 2024

    The BBC's Scottish Football Podcast

    Jane Lewis, Brian McLauchlin and Tyrone Smith round up all the deadline defying drama as the Scottish transfer window shuts.

    From Celtic's record breaking signing to some high profile departures they discuss all the biggest moves in Scotland and cross to Italy to hear about the excitement as Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay move to Napoli.

    Listen to the full episode here.

  11. 'Fletcher has been a big help for me' - Dalbypublished at 15:45 31 August 2024

    Sam Dalby reaching out for the ball while playing for Wrexham.Image source, Getty Images

    Sam Dalby admits his first experience of deadline day was a "stressful" situation, but he is now "looking forward" to getting started at Dundee United.

    The 24-year-old forward joins the club on a season-long loan after scoring five goals and assisting eight times in 40 appearances in League Two last season for AFC Wrexham.

    "It feels great to be here," Dalby told club media. "I'm looking forward to it and looking forward to get training with the lads tomorrow before the game on Sunday.

    "I didn't know if I was going to be available for loan throughout the transfer window. It came down to the last second today. It was a bit stressful."

    Dalby says he still carries Marcelo Bielsa's influence - who he spent time with at Leeds United - with him to this day, however former United striker Steven Fletcher has been Dalby's most recent influence while playing together at Wrexham.

    "I saw [Fletcher] this morning and he came in with a big smile on his face because he had heard the news. He said he was going to come and watch a few games, so we'll see him soon.

    "Him coming into Wrexham last season was a big help for me, with little tips and tricks he would give me in training. Hopefully I can implement that in my game this season and help this club.

    "A big part of my game is bringing teammates into the picture and putting them in good situations themselves. I want to be scoring goals as well, if I can help the team in any way possible then that’s good."

  12. 'Wounded animals can be very dangerous' - Goodwinpublished at 10:07 31 August 2024

    Tyrone Smith
    BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

    Jim GoodwinImage source, SNS

    Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin doesn't believe there is ever a right time to play Hearts.

    The two teams meet at Tynecastle on Sunday, with fifth-placed United looking to continue their unbeaten start to the league campaign.

    Hearts have lost their last five games in all competitions as they continue to struggle to juggle their domestic and European match commitments.

    "I don't think there is ever a right time to play against one of the top teams in the country," Goodwin said.

    "Yes things haven’t clicked quite as well as they would have liked up to now, but you are always wary of playing against any of the good teams in the league.

    "You know at some point or another their fortunes are going to change and we have to hope and make sure that doesn't happen against us on Sunday.

    "Wounded animals can be very dangerous."

  13. United's MacLeod joins Southampton on loanpublished at 09:48 31 August 2024

    Rory MacLeodImage source, SNS

    Dundee United forward Rory MacLeod, the club's youngest-ever player, has joined Premier League side Southampton on an initial season-long loan deal with an option to buy.

    The teenager's record-breaking appearance came against Motherwell in the 2021-22 campaign, when he came on as a substitute at the age of just 16 years and six days.

    The 18-year-old has since gone on to play 28 times for United without scoring.

  14. United sign Wrexham striker Dalby on loanpublished at 23:16 30 August 2024

    Sam DalbyImage source, Getty Images

    Sam Dalby has joined Dundee United on a season-long loan from League One side Wrexham AFC.

    The 24-year-old has played for several sides, turning out for the likes of Leyton Orient, Woking, Southend, and Wrexham.

    Announcing the deal, the club described him as "a confident finisher also adept at bringing team-mates into play".

  15. Grimshaw departs Tannadicepublished at 19:37 30 August 2024

    Liam GrimshawImage source, SNS

    Dundee United have announced the departure of Liam Grimshaw.

    The 29-year-old made 33 appearances as Jim Goodwin's side won the Scottish Championship title last season.

    Grimshaw, who had previous spells in Scotland with Motherwell and Greenock Morton, had joined the club on a two-year deal just last summer but is now a free agent.

  16. Stephenson eager to shine at United & boost Anfield hopespublished at 18:48 30 August 2024

    Tyrone Smith
    BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

    Luca StephensonImage source, SNS

    Luca Stephenson is hoping to force his way into the first-team reckoning at Liverpool with good performances for Dundee United.

    The 20-year-old midfielder arrived on a season-long loan from Anfield earlier this month.

    "I think I am definitely in a good position," Stephenson said.

    "All you have to look at is the likes of Conor Bradley, who was out on loan and he went back and all of a sudden he was around the first team every day.

    "If I can have a successful year here, I don’t see why I can’t go and do that myself and be a first-team player at Liverpool.

    "I just want to play as many games as I can, help the team first of all, and put myself in the best position I can at Liverpool as well."

  17. Forbes leaves United for Norwichpublished at 17:56 30 August 2024

    Brandon ForbesImage source, SNS

    Teenage forward Brandon Forbes has left Dundee United to join English Championship side Norwich City.

    It is reported, external that the fee is a guaranteed £300,000 with the potential to rise to £500,000 if performance-based add-ons are met, plus a 20% sell-on clause.

    The 18-year-old, who moved to United a year ago from Renfrewshire boys club Thorn Athletic, scored a free-kick against Ayr on his debut in the League Cup last month and had been part of the first-team squad throughout the summer.

  18. Goodwin confident of adding striker to complete 'great' windowpublished at 15:46 30 August 2024

    Striker Jort van der Sande is among the 12 signings United have made so farImage source, SNS
    Image caption,

    Striker Jort van der Sande is among the 12 signings United have made so far

    Jim Goodwin is optimistic of taking his Dundee United summer signing haul to 13 by adding a striker before tonight's (23:00 BST) deadline.

    While delighted at the start his new-look team have made to the season, Goodwin believes he needs to bolster his attacking options.

    The United boss said: "We are hoping to have an announcement to make later on this evening.

    "We have spoken about needing to strengthen the top end of the pitch. At the moment we have only got Jort van der Sande and Louis Moult as the two senior strikers in the group.

    "Owen Stirton [17-year-old striker] has had a really good pre-season but we feel that is an area we need to have more options in.

    "I am confident we will get that one over the line, the guys are working really hard behind the scenes to try and make sure that is the case."

    Goodwin is looking forward to being able to "relax" when the window closes, but is delighted with the business the club have done so far.

    "I think we have had a great summer transfer window," he added.

    "We have pretty much had to build a whole new squad of players, once we get this one done it will be 13 signings over the summer.

    "And if you include the ones that we have re-signed – the likes of Jack Walton and Moult and Kevin Holt - I think the business we have done has been very good."

  19. 'One final piece is missing'published at 15:26 30 August 2024

    your views graphic

    We asked for your views on where Dundee United still need to strengthen and what deals you would like completed before the transfer window closes.

    Here's what some of you said:

    David: We've had some great buys and loans in, the season is looking good and I am excited to see how the season pans out. It's been a cracking start to the season.

    Jimmy: Stuart Armstrong and any striker with pace please, two upfront is a must to kick on with the season.

    Alasdair: I think the view of fans and management is that one final piece is missing - a forward with real pace to compliment Jort van der Sande and Louis Moult. At this point, it feels like a really successful window with cover in most positions. The squad has a good balance of experience and youth, some of which can be loaned out to gain experience.

    Calum: With only Van der Sande and Moult, we really need another striker. Jim Goodwin knows this, all the fans know this - can we get the business done before the deadline?

    George: Like every other United fan I'm pretty happy with the transfer business so far but recognise that we need a fast, direct striker capable of getting behind opposition defences. Van der Sande and Moult both hold the ball up well but are not the quickest. A speedy option through the middle would supplement the pace of Kristijan Trapanovski on the left wing.

  20. Goodwin on seeking a forward, summer business & 'wounded' Heartspublished at 14:32 30 August 2024

    Tyrone Smith
    BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

    Jim GoodwinImage source, SNS

    Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premiership trip to play Hearts.

    Here are the key lines from his press conference:

    • He's "confident" they will be able to bring in another attacking player.

    • If they do, that will be 13 summer additions and Goodwin says: "The business we have done has been very good."

    • As well as praising the impact of his summer signings, Goodwin hails the players that remain at Tannadice from last term, saying: "They have really stepped up this season."

    • When asked if this is a good time to get Hearts - who are still winless this season - Goodwin said there is never a good time to get one of the top teams in the country, adding: "Wounded animals can be dangerous."

    • He is not getting carried away by his side’s strong start to the season, saying: "We are not quite the finished article yet."

    • Vicko Sevelj returns to the squad, while Ryan Strain remains the only long-term absentee.

  21. Game of the weekend: Hearts v Dundee Utdpublished at 12:02 30 August 2024

    Premiership picks

    OK, Celtic v Rangers is the biggest top-flight match of the weekend but it will get plenty of attention.

    What's interesting about Hearts' home meeting with Dundee United is that promoted United go into Sunday's game unbeaten in the Premiership while last season's third-placed team, Hearts, are winless this season.

    Head coach Steven Naismith has not yet settled on a first-choice XI, due in part to Hearts juggling European fixtures along with league and League Cup games.

    The Tynecastle side desperately need to get captain and talisman Lawrence Shankland firing again and playing against his former club might just be the ticket, though he did miss the midweek loss to Viktoria Plzen.

    For United, a morale-boosting win against St Johnstone last weekend followed draws with Dundee and Ross County.

    They are also through to the last eight of the League Cup and manager Jim Goodwin is seeing his newly-built squad spread the goals around.

    Read all the weekend Premiership picks

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  22. What signings do United still need?published at 16:40 29 August 2024

    Have your say

    As Friday's 23:00 BST transfer deadline edges closer, where do Dundee United still need to strengthen and what deals would you like completed before the window closes?

    Have your say here, external.

  23. Hearts v Dundee United: Pick of the statspublished at 15:05 29 August 2024

    Hearts v Dundee United: Pick of the statsImage source, SNS
    • Hearts are unbeaten in seven Scottish Premiership meetings with Dundee United (W5 D2) since a 2-1 defeat in February 2016.

    • Dundee United have lost their last four Premiership away games against Hearts, conceding 3+ goals in each (15 in total) since a 2-1 win in March 2014.

    • Hearts have lost their last two league games, while they last lost more in a row in the Scottish Premiership in April 2023 (5). Hearts are, though, unbeaten in their last 12 home matches in the competition (W7 D5).

    • Dundee United are yet to lose in the league this season (P3 W1 D2 L0). They last avoided defeat in their opening four games of a top-flight campaign in 2009-10 – which included a win over Hearts.

    • Hearts have won their last three league games against newly-promoted sides, with each coming against Dundee last season. Hearts last won four top-flight games against promoted clubs in a row in November 2000.