Dundee United

Richard Winton
BBC Sport Scotland at Tannadice

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Max Watters has thanked the "unbelievable" Dundee United fans after they watched their side suffer an agonising Conference League exit at the hands of Rapid Vienna.

Striker Watters scored twice in the first half of the second leg to give United a 4-2 aggregate lead, but Jim Goodwin's weary side conceded twice before going on to lose on penalties in front of a raucous sold-out Tannadice.

"They were unbelievable," Watters said of the United fans. "They were there from minute one to the very end. Outstanding.

"We have to say thank you to them because it helps us when we're down, when we're struggling, when we're tired."

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin told BBC Scotland: "As a manager, all you can ask is that your team leave everything out on the pitch and we saw that over the last two legs.

"I've found out a lot about the team, in terms of the characteristics you would want. That never say die attitude. We started the game so well do. To be 2-0 up, to lose in the fashion we did, it's a major disappointment.

"I'd like to thank them for being with us on the journey and doing the club proud away from home. I'm gutted for everyone of them, but grateful to them.

"Our injuries have been well documented, we've suffered another one here tonight with Zac Sapsford - in the build up to the penalty he's taken a knock on his ankle.

"We've had to ask a lot of the group over the last few weeks. It's really difficult, it's my first experience as a manager at this level and it's been so challenging getting the balance right. You need your full compliment to be able to rotate and freshen things.

"I don't want to use it as an excuse. Any team in the country would be suffering without their best players available and that's the situation we find ourselves in at the moment.

"We've gone toe-to-toe with a good Rapid Vienna team, and apart from within our camp, no one would have given us a hope in hell. It's as hard a tie as we could have gotten when you look at the teams available.

"Everyone expected us to get turned over in Vienna but the boys put in a great performance and kept the tie alive. Tonight, we're underdogs going into the game. Rapid got to the quarters last year, they've spent £5m on three players - that gives you an understanding of what we're up against.

"This needs to give us a lot of belief and encouragement for the season ahead and being involved in these games gives you a real taste for it. Let's try and get back here again next year and go that little bit farther.

"The players can hold their heads high, it's given us a lot of optimism for the season ahead."

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Dundee United succumbed to fatigue and expection to cede a two-goal lead against a slick Rapid Vienna side and have their hopes of Conference League progression ripped from their grasp in agonising style in a penalty shoot-out.

Read the full match report here.

Have your say here.

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Luca Stephenson has rejoined Dundee United "stronger, fully fit and hungry to pick up where he left off," says manager Jim Goodwin.

The 21-year-old Liverpool midfielder returns to Tannadice for a second season-long loan after impressing last term, scoring three times in 34 appearances before double hernia surgery.

Stephenson's move follows Finnish defender Dario Naamo, 21, signing a three-year contract to free up a space after United had reached their maximum of six loans.

"Luca's return was a priority for us this window - he brings something unique in terms of his leadership, versatility and understanding of how we want to play," said Goodwin.

"He's had a brilliant summer working under Arne Slot and alongside some of the best players in the world - that experience will serve him and us incredibly well this season.

"Luca knows what this club stands for, the standards expected and the passion of our fanbase. To bring in someone of his quality, who's already embedded in the culture and values of the club, is a massive boost."

Naamo has yet to feature in a competitive game for Goodwin's side after suffering an ankle injury in pre-season.

"This move represents a forward-thinking and proactive piece of business from the club - the reason we worked hard to include an option to buy in the initial agreement between ourselves and St Polten was because we wholeheartedly believe in Dario's ability," Goodwin said.

"He personifies the modern-day wing-back - energetic, combative and technically accomplished, with a desire to impact the game at both ends of the park."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United defender Krisztian Keresztes has urged his side to make home advantage count against Rapid Vienna tonight.

The tie is on a knife edge after injury-ravaged United twice came from behind for a hugely impressive 2-2 draw in the first leg of the Conference League third-round qualifier.

The Hungarian insists United will have to put it all the line if they are to upset the odds and advance to a play-off against Sweden's AIK Stockholm or FC Gyor of Hungary.

"I don't think we are favourites but we will fight until the end, the home advantage in these type of games is a big factor," said Keresztes.

"These type of games are where you can develop yourself because the big prize is on the line, so we have to grow up for this and make the right decisions, start well and push 100%.

"I think we have to get the winning mentality. We are tired, we don't have that many players, we have a lot of injuries, but if you mentally prepare well you can be surprised how you are able to play."

At 6ft 5in, the towering defender is already making his mark on Scottish football following his arrival on a season-long loan from top-flight club Nyiregyhaza Spartacus in his homeland.

"I think I have an advantage in my physicality and with my speed," said Keresztes.

"I can play well in this league and I always try to prepare myself mentally to give 100% every day. If I do that I think I can be a good in this team."

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Former Dundee United manager Robbie Neilson says it will be "really difficult," but a win over Rapid Vienna tonight would rank as one of the biggest results in the club's history.

The 45-year-old is hopeful a packed Tannadice can spur Jim Goodwin's side - who drew 2-2 in Vienna - to overcome the Austrians and reach the Conference League play-off round.

"It would be a really, really difficult game for them to be honest with you," said Neilson on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"I didn't see a lot of the game over there in Austria, but just when you look at the stats for it, they had very little possession and their xG was really low.

"It's a tough one but up at Tannadice, it is a sellout, so the atmosphere will be very, very good.

"If they can get a result, it will be one of the biggest ones they've had in their history."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Jim Goodwin is confident of securing a deal to bring Liverpool's Luca Stephenson back to Dundee United and says it "shouldn't be an issue" to free up a loan space for the midfielder.

The 21-year-old shone during a season-long loan at Tannadice last term, making 34 appearances and scoring three times.

"Luca was one of our standout performers last season and won the young player of the year award. I have made my feelings known to everybody about my thoughts on Luca," said manager Goodwin.

"We are still talking with Liverpool. It is not quite finalised yet, but I am really hopeful and quietly confident that we will get some positive news on that and get it over the line."

United currently have six loan players, which is the maximum number permitted under SPFL rules.

"We are at that point at the moment so we need to tidy one or two bits up on an admin front but it shouldn't be an issue," added Goodwin, who is reportedly set to convert, external Finnish Dario Naamo's loan move into a permanent deal.

The United boss added: "A lot of the loans have been set up in a way that there is the option to buy at the end of the loan. If we need to speed that process up in order to free up a loan place then we are well within our rights to do that."

Danish midfielder Julius Eskesen this week became United's 12th recruit of the summer window, arriving on a two-year deal from Norwegian side Haugesund.

Goodwin said: "Really pleased to get Julius done, it is the type of player that we are just missing at the moment in the midfield, just one that can tie it all together.

"We have got guys in there who are really comfortable on the ball but Julius will give us that something a little bit different.

"He has a really good range of passing, plays forward, can see things that maybe sometimes other players can't, so hopefully we will get to see him at the weekend."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before the second leg of the Conference League qualifier with Rapid Vienna on Thursday night.

Here are the key lines:

• Goodwin is "quietly confident" they will agree a deal with Liverpool to bring midfielder Luca Stephenson back to the club this season.

• The United boss is delighted to bring in Dane Julius Eskesen: "He is the type of player we have been missing in the midfield."

• Goodwin describes the Tannadice second leg as "huge" and says his team have "taken learnings" from the 2-2 draw in Vienna.

• Max Watters is available after a knock but United are without a raft of players, including summer signing Isaac Pappoe who faces "a lengthy period of time out", with Goodwin saying: "We would be here too long if I said who wasn't available."

• On the injury situation, Goodwin says he has "never faced" anything like it so early in a season but United "will be a match for anyone" once everyone is fit.

• United knocked Rapid out of the European Cup in the early 1980s and Goodwin says "we know enough about that historic fixture", adding that despite his team having home advantage, the visitors "are probably still favourites".

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Julius Eskesen can't wait to get stuck into "raw, proper football" with Dundee United after making the move from Norwegian side FK Haugesund.

The midfielder, who has arrived at Tannadice on a two-year deal, told club media, external: "I'm a player that loves to play with emotion and I think this is a good match and that's something we have in common.

"I can imagine there is quite some intensity around matchdays.

"I'm definitely going to play against some really good players and with some good players. I'd like to contribute some moments of good football where you can see my technical skills.

"For Dundee United I think top six is the first goal for the season and then go further on in all competitions."

Although Eskesen won't be available for Thursday night's Conference League qualifier second leg against Rapid Vienna, the 26-year-old hopes the team will get the job done and give him the chance to feature in the play-off round.

"I would love to," he added.

"The guys have to finish the good work they've put in so far but that's something every footballer dreams of, to play in European competitions."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Jim Goodwin unearthed a diamond last summer in striker Sam Dalby, who was plucked from the English lower leagues and netted 15 times in Dundee United's successful campaign.

When it became clear he wouldn't be returning to Tannadice, the big question was who on earth is going to fill his scoring boots?

Well, the early signs are Goodwin may have got his hands on another couple of unheralded gems who could shine bright for the Tangerines this term.

Attacking pair Max Watters and Zac Sapsford from arrived Barnsley and Western Sydney Wanderers respectively and, like Dalby, neither were household names among the United support.

But both have shown they know the way to goal, having each netted twice already.

While Sapsford is yet to score in the league, the early signs are promising.

The Australian has had five shots in two games, four of which have come from inside the penalty area. He's taken nine touches in the opposition box in the 156 minutes he's played.

The striker's creative play also looks promising, with 11 of his passes across his two Premiership outings ending in the final third and six in the opposition box. He's delivered five crosses from open play with 60% accuracy.

Watters has already opened his Premiership account with the first goal in United's season opener against Falkirk and has an expected goals rate of 0.61 across his 65 minutes of action.

His four shots have generated a shooting accuracy of 75% while he's already created two big chances - and scored one of them.

It is early days, but if Goodwin has replaced Dalby with two capable strikers then there's no reason United can't enjoy another fine campaign.

Dundee United have still not agreed a return for Luca Stephenson from Liverpool and would also need to free up a loan slot before any move could happen. (Scott Burns on X), external

Dundee United are close to agreeing another loan for defensive midfielder Stephenson, with the English champions planning to extend the 21-year-old's contract after rejecting an approach from another club for a permanent transfer. (Anthony Joseph on X), external

Stephenson is set to sign a new deal at Anfield and then head to United on a season-long loan. (Liverpool Xtra on X), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

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Dundee United have signed a midfielder with a "rare blend of technical quality, tactical intelligence and tenacity" in Julius Eskesen, says manager Jim Goodwin.

The 26-year-old has joined on a two-year contract from Norwegian top-flight side FK Haugesund, United holding the option of an additional 12 months.

The Dane came through Odense before moving on to Sonderjyske, where he spent two years.

Eskesen has played in Norway for the past three years at Haugesund, scoring 10 goals and assisting 14 in 95 games.

United say the midfielder has "a reputation for dazzling long-range strikes and pinpoint deliveries".

Manager Goodwin added: "Julius is another carefully considered addition who aligns with our overarching recruitment strategy - we're targeting players with proven quality, extensive experience at a high level, and the desire to be part of a competitive and ambitious squad.

"Julius ticks every one of those boxes. He offers a rare blend of technical quality, tactical intelligence and tenacity in the middle of the park - he doesn't shy away from the physical side of the game, which is essential in a league as physically demanding as the Scottish Premiership.

"Julius also gives me flexibility. He can play as a deeper-lying, combative midfielder or push forward and influence the game in the final third, while his set-piece delivery is second to none.

"We've made it clear we want to construct a squad not just for the short term, but for sustained success - Julius fits that model perfectly.

"He's still at a great age, he's hungry to improve, and he's chosen to come here because he believes in what we're building at Dundee United."

Paul McNicoll
Fan writer

We Dundee United fans have, at times, been accused of living in the Eighties.

That's not a theory I personally subscribe to but there's no denying those were most certainly the glory years for the club, so if there was any particular time period we Arabs would choose to relive, then of course it would be the Eighties.

With that being said, Jim Goodwin's United Nations XI headed off to Vienna last Thursday and did their best to roll back the years.

In truth, I just wanted them to get back to Tannadice with half a chance of progression. What we were served up was a phenomenal performance of guts, determination and no shortage of resiliency. A throwback to the Euro performances of the Eighties if you will.

The best thing to come out of Australia since Neighbours, Home and Away and Ugg Boots is Zac Sapsford - he was fantastic on the night. The striker ran himself into the ground, set up the first and scored the second with a sublime finish. He was poetry in motion.

The back line of Iurie Iovu, Bert Esselink and Krisztian Keresztes were outstanding and worked their socks off defending as if their lives depended on it.

And how could I forget the token Scotsman in the team. Craig Sibbald was the best of the bunch for me and, although it's still early in the season, he seems to have taken his game to the next level. He was always exactly where he needed to be.

All that means 1,000 or so travelling fans headed home with memories of one of the greatest nights of their lives and a real belief their European tour may still have a few destinations left.

Tannadice this Thursday will be absolutely rocking, and while I don't think it will be overly intimidating to the Rapid players, it can certainly help lift United to once again go above and beyond to bring us yet another famous European night under the lights at the old ground. Vamos!

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

Dundee United have agreed a deal with Haugesund to sign 26-year-old midfielder Julius Eskesen on a free transfer, with the Norwegian club instead receiving bonuses if certain outcomes occur. (Norway Transfers on X), external

Julius Eskesen will undergo a medical with Dundee United on Tuesday as the midfielder completes his switch from troubled Haugesund, who sit bottom of the Eliteserien and will receive a small fee for the 26-year-old who was out of contract at the end of this year. (Farzam Abolhosseini on X), external

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Dundee United's Conference League qualification opponents Rapid Vienna came back from a goal down to beat Sturm Graz 2-1 in the Austrian top flight on Sunday evening away from home.

A Jean Marcelin own goal gifted the back-to-back Austrian Bundesliga champions the opener just before the hour mark.

Petter Nosakhare Dahl, who scored against United, then levelled before Claudy M'Buyi scored the winner just three minutes later.

Rapid sit joint-top of their league on six points after two games.

We asked for your views on Dundee United's 3-2 defeat by Hearts.

Here is what some of you said:

Jamie: Absolutely gutted for the players. Despite Thursday night's exertions and a depleted squad, we more than matched a Hearts side who have spent millions.

Rayaan: United were robbed.

Steven: Well, after Thursday night's performance and the amount of effort given by everyone, it's no surprise the players looked a bit tired in the second half. Players would've also had the return leg in their thoughts, and at times, players not winning 50/50s showed a lack of commitment.

It's no surprise we didn't get the win today. I'm sure nobody wanted to get injured and left some effort out on the park. Seven goals conceded in three games is a worry for me. Must be tighter on Thursday.

Drew: We were exhausted in the second half, but disappointed with the result. Now we look forward to Thursday against Vienna. We need reinforcements for our squad ASAP.

Kenny: Just shocking defending for Hearts' second and third goals. United had the game in the bag until two crazy moments.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Ivan Dolcek: Two goals against Hearts, the Croat now has three in total after netting last weekend versus Falkirk.

Highlights of Dundee United 2-3 Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.

Amid reports that several English clubs are "monitoring" the Irishman's progress, Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has revealed that he is locked in talks with a view to extending his contract. (The Courier), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "It's never a good time to concede a goal, but it's disappointing the fashion we did. The three goals we conceded here today, a penalty which is avoidable. A defender goes to ground needlessly in my opinion and gives the referee a decision to make.

"[Stuart] Findlay gets himself free of his marker on two occasions, and that's what cost us the game today. We'd have loved to be a bit more aggressive and high energy and getting after Hearts a bit more.

"But given the circumstances of the short recovery period from Thursday, we had to set up in a low block and try and deny Hearts space in behind.

"The shape of the team in open play was very good actually, Yevhenii Kucherenko didn't have a great deal to do. He had one save in the first half and another in the second half from open play.

"But those three goals, in terms of taking responsibility and doing our jobs in key moments, that's what's cost us."

Two second-half goals from centre-back Stuart Findlay - including the winner in the 94th minute - stunned Dundee United as Hearts salvaged their 100% start to the Scottish Premiership campaign.

Read the match report and have your say.

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Isaac Pappoe joined Dundee United's injury list after being carried off with a knee injury against Rapid Vienna.

Ryan Strain, Kristijan Trapanovski and Ross Graham are all missing with hamstring injuries. But Dario Naamo and Amar Fatah are closing in on comebacks.

Hearts could hand a debut to Pierre Landry Kabore while fellow summer signing Sabah Kerjota is available after suspension.

Craig Gordon (shoulder), Jamie McCart (ankle), Kenneth Vargas (hip) and Finlay Pollock (hamstring) are still out, while Beni Baningime (knee) and Calem Nieuwenhof (hamstring) have an outside chance of being involved.