Dundee United

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin told Sportsound: "It was really important that we put a stop to the losing streak we were on. The guys showed good character considering the start to the game we had.

"We were fortunate to go in just a goal behind. The second half we were excellent, we were the better team and caused Livingston a lot of problems at the back. When we got the equaliser, if a team was going to go on to win, it would have been us.

"I wouldn't have taken this job if I didn't believe in this group of players. We have some experienced lads, some strong characters, we have some good talented young players coming through.

"The start was poor, we were slow out the traps. I have to take responsibility for that. The back three didn't work and we had to make changes."

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Andrew Petrie, BBC Sport Scotland

A priceless point for United but will it help save them?

The visitors did well to weather the storm that Livingston created in the first half - it looked the hosts would blow away their visitors without breaking sweat.

But whatever Jim Goodwin said at half-time worked. His side were energised and showed far more attacking intent than they had in the first 45.

Before kick-off, the new manager showed he can make big decisions. He dropped Ryan Edwards, the club captain, who was dismal in the loss to Aberdeen.

It almost backfired when Loick Ayina did his best to get sent off, catching Scott Pittman high above the ankle. Somehow, VAR did not intervene.

The boss is still sussing out his strongest 11, and he still seems a way off finding it. The bad news is, he doesn't have much time to figure it out.

Former Scotland striker Kenny Miller believes there is still hope for Dundee United, despite their struggles this season.

The Tannadice side are rooted to the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, having last won a league game at the start of January, but could go a point behind Kilmarnock in 11th if they beat Livingston on Wednesday evening.

"They’re not cut adrift", Miller said, speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"The game in hand is an opportunity to gain some ground, but every time you play Livingston, you know you’re in for a game.

"The games against Livingston and St Mirren are the ones he’ll be targeting, but the problem with these games when you’re on a bad run, is that if you don’t get results in them, then maybe a little bit of doom and gloom can set in.

"That Dundee United squad are more than capable of winning games, but they need to start winning soon. The longer this run goes on without a win, you can get cut adrift. This next couple of games are huge for Jim Goodwin and United."

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Tyrone Smith, BBC Sport Scotland

There have been few positives in what has been a season of frustration on and off the pitch for Dundee United.

The fact they have a game in hand on the teams they are hoping to catch in the battle of the bottom is perhaps the only one they can currently cling to.

While there will be those who may see that as clutching at straws – there is no doubt about the importance of that opportunity – which comes at Livingston tonight.

United haven’t won any of their last eight league games, a sequences of results which comprises of seven defeats and a draw.

Given that sort of form you could even make the case that they are perhaps fortunate to only be four points adrift at the foot of the table.

But hopefully you are starting to see the importance of their fixture bonus ball at Livi.

It feels like if United, and their new manager, Jim Goodwin, are to have any realistic chance of getting out of their current predicament, then this is a game they surely must win.

If they can, they will move to within just a point of their fellow strugglers - something that would make the tangerine garden look a bit rosier, but if they lose, then they are in real danger if disappearing in to the relegation undergrowth without a trace.

Dundee United midfielder Ian Harkes says manager Jim Goodwin wants the Scottish Premiership's bottom side to scrap and fight in their quest for survival. (Courier - subscription required), external

Image source, BBC Sport

The first v third encounter at Celtic Park? No. The second v fourth clash in Edinburgh? No. Dundee United's trip to Livingston has more intrigue and not just because any notion of a title 'race' ended some months ago.

Livingston are on a run of four straight defeats in all competitions while Dundee United's losing sequence extended to seven games with a 3-1 reverse in Jim Goodwin's first match in charge against former club Aberdeen on Saturday.

For either of these teams to realise their ambitions for the season, a return to winning ways is a must.

Livi have dropped out of the top six but are within touching distance of the teams above them. Bottom team United are still four points adrift of Ross County and Kilmarnock.

The Lions have already beaten the Tangerines this season but United subsequently knocked Livi out of the League Cup. Both were away wins so will the trend be bucked on Wednesday?

Image source, BBC Sport

Livingston have lost Ayo Obileye to a long-term knee injury, while fellow centre-back Jack Fitzwater is suspended, so Luiyi de Lucas is in line for his first start since joining in January. Tom Parkes remains sidelined with a long-term knee injury.

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin has one or two slight concerns, which will be assessed. Peter Pawlett and Glenn Middleton are both making progress from hamstring injuries but remain unavailable.

Image source, SNS

Image source, SNS

• Since the start of last season, Livingston have only lost one of their seven midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) home league games (W4 D2), losing 2-1 to St Johnstone in February 2022. Two of those games have been against Dundee United (W1 D1).

• Steven Fletcher has scored (4) or assisted (2) six of Dundee United’s 11 away league goals this season (55%), including four of their last seven (3 goals, 1 assist).

• Livingston have won each of their last three league games against Dundee United; never before have they won four in a row against the Tangerines in the top flight.

• Dundee United have lost each of their last three league outings away from home, last suffering four straight such defeats in the top flight in November 2015 (run of six).

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Jim Goodwin has taken Dundee United back to basics in an attempt to plug their leaky defence, says full-back Aziz Behich.

Having lost 3-1 at home to Aberdeen despite an encouraging performance in Goodwin’s first game at the helm, United remain four points adrift at the bottom.

They play their game in hand on Wednesday with a visit to Livingston.

"The gaffer has come in and emphasised on going back to the basics,” Behich told DUTV.

"This season we have conceded too many goals against opponents who we shouldn't have conceded goals to and just little errors.

"When he came in, it was about making sure we went back to the basics – clean sheets, staying compact and making it hard for opponents to get near our goal.

"I think we did that the majority of the Aberdeen game, especially in the first half, and the more we have time to work on what the gaffer wants to do the stronger this group will get.

"If we keep the same energy and performance and build on that, I think we are going to pick up a lot of points in these coming weeks."

There's a big night of Premiership action in store on Wednesday with the top four facing off and Dundee United aiming to spark a revival at the bottom.

Amy Canavan previews all three matches with former Scotland striker Kenny Miller, so listen in here.

Ronny Costello, The Dode Fox Podcast, external

It's been some week for us Dundee United fans.

Liam Fox left, Tony Asghar stepped down, and Jim Goodwin was named manager with 12 games to save our season.

The man himself even said when he was unveiled this week that people told him he was off his head to take the United job... and given he is our third boss in a season, he might have a point. He's also got a point to prove given how things ended at Aberdeen.

I liked the cut of his jib in his press conference, the honesty from him, no buzzwords, no laptops. Just a man who is desperate to salvage not just United's season, but his reputation.

And of course his first game had to be against his former team. It was always going to be an interesting day given the dugout is below the visiting fans at Tanandice. United were good. Quick out the blocks, plenty of opportunities and chances but no goals to show for it.

We started well in the second half but were undone by individual errors that has cost us not just the three points on Saturday night, but throughout the season. 3-1 flattered Aberdeen, and I know a lot of people love a stat but regardless of how much we dominated the stats the only one that matters is the scoreline.

Another week of cheap goals given away.

11 games left.

The rollercoaster continues.

Dundee United travel to Livingston on Wednesday night looking for some much-needed momentum and a first win under new manager Jim Goodwin.

Tell us who makes your starting XI here.

Image source, BBC Sport

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has received a personal apology from Aberdeen after being targeted with objects during Saturday's meeting of the two sides at Tannadice. (Record), external

Former Aberdeen boss Goodwin is surprised at the abuse he faced on Saturday evening, describing the experience as "very strange". (Sun), external

American goalkeeper Bill Hamid is linked with a possible move to Dundee United. (Courier - subscription required), external

Image source, BBC Sport

Despite suffering defeat in his first game as Dundee United manager, Jim Goodwin has taken encouragement from the loss against his ex-club Aberdeen.

But the United boss acknowledges "results are probably more important performances" as his side, who are bottom of the Scottish Premiership, prepare for a trip to Livingston on Wednesday.

"I think if we can continue in that vein going forward throughout the next 11 games, we give ourselves a brilliant chance of survival," Goodwin said.

"We're not going to get too many pats on the back for playing well and losing games. The big thing for me is we are not massively adrift at the bottom.

"We have a run of games coming up now we believe we are capable of picking up serious points in."

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Image source, BBC Sport

We asked you for thoughts after Dundee United's defeat to Aberdeen and Jim Goodwin's first game in charge.

Here's a flavour of what you had to say:

George: Going down and not even putting up a fight. Time to consider who might be willing to manage a Championship team with a view to returning to the top flight within a year. A manager and assistant in full control able to clear out and replace the dead wood responsible for our current predicament and the fate of previous head coaches.

Gerry: Good change in attitude tonight and the shape was good. Once again individual errors cost us. Edwards has been a liability all season and between him and the 'keepers, have cost us multiple points. Edwards should be dropped as his mistakes undermine all the positives.

Mark: You could bring any manager in there you want, it doesn’t make the players better. This team can’t score and let in soft goals. A fatal combination.

Steve: It was clear to see that there was a reaction from the players. Plenty of effort and energy, but until we stop conceding simple goals, we are going to be relegated. Edwards used to be so solid in defence, but now he appears to be a bit of a liability. Not sure whats happened there.

Dave: At least Goodwin being there seemed to motivate more shots at goal! 24 at least and at last, showing hunger for goals instead of players passing balls across the pitch or backwards to keep possession and to minimise effort having to be made pushing forward for goals. Poor goalkeepers and lack of natural strikers is a big problem though.

John: I have supported United for 45 years and it is getting more painful year in year out. We pretend we are a big club but some of the people we employ are just taking the mickey.

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Did you watch Dundee United's sixth Premiership defeat in a row?

Whether you're taking the positives from Jim Goodwin's first game, or you're left feeling frustrated again, we want to hear from you.

Give us a shout.

BBC Scotland's Andy Campbell

One of the defeats that started to put new Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin under pressure at Aberdeen was a 4-0 loss at Tannadice back in October.

United started that match with a fierceness and though they showed similar intent this time, they could not get the goals when they were on top.

All three Aberdeen goals originated on the right of the home defence, an area the visitors targeted more and more as the match wore on.

However, Dundee United's commitment in the opening hour and the heart they showed to get back level should provide some cause for optimism.

Dundee Untied manager Jim Goodwin: "We're extremely disappointed with the final result tonight but I do believe there are plenty of positives for me to take.

"We had plenty of good opportunities, particularly in the first half.

"A draw would've been a fair result. I don't think there was a great deal between the two teams. It's a couple of mistakes at key moments in the game which have cost the goals. That's something that we need to eradicate and we need to do that pretty quickly."

Though not on the scoresheet, Dundee United's Steven Fletcher more than occupied the Aberdeen defence.

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