Dundee United

Adam Binnie
BBC Sport Scotland

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Dundee United had won just once in seven league matches heading into this one, desperate for a win to banish any worries of slipping outside the top six.

And they got what they needed.

Top six is now pretty much guaranteed and Goodwin's men can focus on aiming for a return to European football.

They occupy fifth spot in the Premiership table, two points off Aberdeen in fourth and three points behind Hibernian in third.

Don't get your passports out just yet but you better make sure they are in date!

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Ross County will again be without Michee Efete (knee), Ryan Leak (Achilles) and Will Nightingale (knee).

Dundee United will be without the suspended Emmanuel Adegboyega but Luca Stephenson has recovered from the head knock that forced him off against Dundee.

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Louis Moult is adamant Dundee United won't let their season "peter out" as he urges his teammates to be "aggressive" at Dingwall on Sunday.

Jim Goodwin's side suffered their first home defeat against Dundee for 21 years when they lost 4-2 before the international break.

However the Tangerines are still in the hunt for a top six spot with three games until the split.

"We have three massive games that can probably determine your season," the striker said.

"It would be such a shame to come this far and let the season peter out. That's why I mention a positive mindset, you need to stay focused until the very end of the season.

"We have a good bunch in there and the manager is always keeping us on our toes and that's exactly what we need."

"We have had to wait a little bit longer but that little bit of aggression, controlled aggression, needs to be on display on Sunday.

"We are going to rectify what went wrong against Dundee. We need to start fast on Sunday.

"Clean sheets are a big one. Where we are in the league has come from being solid at the back, because I always believe we will create chances and get goals. So it's probably going back to basics a bit.

"It's a tough place to go but we need to go there with a positive mindset and take our game to them."

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Jim Goodwin has challenged Dundee United to "make amends" for their derby defeat by securing a top-six finish.

United's 4-2 loss before the international break was their first home defeat to Dundee since 2004.

Now they travel to Dingwall on Sunday knowing a win over Ross County, plus favourable results elsewhere, could secure their top-six spot with two games to spare before the split.

"That Dundee game was so out of character in terms of the manner of the defeat and the goals we conceded but we can't dwell on it," Goodwin said.

"We can't feel too sorry for ourselves. We've got an opportunity on Sunday to make amends.

"The next game is always the biggest and the most important one. We might have the opportunity, with a positive result, to try and cement that top-six position.

"It's really important we finish the job off now."

United's planning for next season is already well under way and the club are seeking a new head of recruitment to replace the outgoing MIchael Cairney.

"I'm really disappointed to hear Michael is going to be leaving," Goodwin added.

"I think it's a compliment that we identified a really good head of recruitment who did a fantastic job for us.

"There's a lot to the decision-making process for Michael, the opportunity that has been offered is closer to home and I'd imagine there's a little bit more salary as well.

"For Michael it's the right move but we're disappointed to see him leave. We believe this is the beginning of a long-term project for us and Michael has been an important part of that."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to face Ross County this weekend.

Here are the main points:

• Goodwin says the derby defeat to Dundee before the break was "so out of character" for his side and Sunday's trip to Dingwall is a chance to "make amends" for a poor performance.

• He knows how important a win on Sunday is for United's top-six ambitions but is expecting "a very difficult game" given what's at stake throughout the table.

• Goodwin stresses his side "won't get greedy" even if a top-six finish is secured on Sunday and insists they have "tried to stay grounded" in recent weeks.

• The squad is "a lot healthier" now compared to where they were before the Dundee game.

• Goodwin would happily "win ugly" in Dingwall as long as United win.

• On the impending departure of head of recruitment Michael Cairney, Goodwin is "really disappointed" but views it as a "compliment" to the club that someone they sought out has attracted attention south of the border.

Dundee United head of recruitment Michael Cairney is to take up a similar role at Blackburn Rovers. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

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• Ross County's Jordan Amissah has conceded 16 goals (excluding own goals) from an expected goals on target faced total of 21.9 in the Scottish Premiership this season – his 5.9 goals prevented is the most of any goalkeeper in the division this term, despite him only playing 12 games. Dundee United's Jack Walton ranks second for this, with 5.4 xGoT prevented (40 goals conceded, excluding own goals, from 45.4 xGoT faced).

• Ross County are winless in six Scottish Premiership games against newly-promoted opposition (D2 L4) since a 3-0 victory over Kilmarnock in January 2023.

• After their 3-0 win in November, Dundee United could win back-to-back Scottish Premiership meetings with Ross County for the first time since May 2022.

• Ross County have won both of their past two home league games, as many as their previous 10 beforehand (W2 D4 L4).

• Dundee United have won just one of their past seven league fixtures (D1 L5), beating Motherwell 1-0 in February.

Luca Stephenson admits he could return to Dundee United next season, with the 21-year-old Liverpool loanee wanted on a permanent basis by manager Jim Goodwin. (Courier), external

Read the rest of Thursday's Scottish gossip.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

What if the Scottish Premiership was decided on overperforming your expected goals (xG) rating?

You're rolling your eyes, aren't you? Fair enough, but the above graphic still paints an interesting picture.

In the second column you will see each team's current xG tally after 30 games, but the table is sorted based on the third column, which shows how much each side has overperformed or underperformed by.

For example, the chances leaders Celtic have created throughout the season suggests they should have scored around 77 goals, but Brendan Rodgers' side have surpassed that tally with an overperformance of almost 12 goals.

Remarkably, Dundee have overperformed their xG total of 34 by 11 goals. If Tony Docherty's side could sort out their defensive issues, it's safe to assume they wouldn't be fighting for survival.

It's the opposite for Kilmarnock, with their underperformance of 5.5 showing they have struggled to take their chances. Addressing that is key if Derek McInnes wants to pull his side away from the bottom.

Other underperformers include Hibernian, Dundee United and Ross County, while the remainder of the teams in the division appear to be fairly steady.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United could do with their frontmen firing as the club look to round off the season with a place in Europe.

A better spread of goals, particularly among the strikers, would very much help their cause.

Sam Dalby has certainly done his part – having hit the net 13 times, he is the joint top scorer in the division (alongside Celtic's Daizen Maeda).

United's next most prolific player in the Premiership is frontman Louis Moult on three goals, although the 32-year-old has been hampered by injury.

Dutch striker Jort van der Sande, who arrived from Den Haag last summer, has yet to break his duck, and same goes for Ruari Paton, who joined on loan from Port Vale in January.

There have been other players who have chipped in with league goals during the course of the season. Centre-back Ross Graham and versatile midfielder Luca Stephenson both have three, wingers Kristijan Trapanovski and Glenn Middleton are among those on two.

But if United strikers can get on the scoresheet more regularly in the remaining eight games, that could be key to turning a good season into a special one.

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Dundee United's head of recruitment Michael Cairney will leave Tannadice in the coming months after accepting a senior role with an English Championship side.

The club said in a statement that Cairney will continue to contribute to their transfer plans for the summer window and beyond with his replacement to "ensure a seamless transition".

"I've had a fantastic time at Tannadice and have been fortunate to work with some brilliant people," Cairney told club media.

"But when this new opportunity came up, I felt that it was an exciting challenge and the right step for me at this stage in my career.

"I wish the club nothing but success moving forward."

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

On Friday night, I raised a glass at a gala dinner to celebrate 15 years since a brilliant day at Hampden - Dundee United's second Scottish Cup triumph. It remains one of the club's greatest achievements.

Under the management of Peter Houston, United lifted the trophy with a commanding 3-0 victory over Ross County at Hampden on 15 May 2010.

United had enjoyed a strong season, finishing third in the top flight, and their cup run showcased their quality and resilience.

After seeing off Partick Thistle and St Johnstone, United faced Rangers at Ibrox in the quarter-finals.

Two penalties for the home side saw them 3-1 up just after half-time, and it looked bleak. But Morgaro Gomis pulled one back with a deflected volley, and with ten minutes to go, Mihael Kovacevic's header made it 3-3, forcing a replay at Tannadice.

Almost 15 years to the day, the return leg was settled in bizarre fashion - David Robertson's backside deflecting the ball home to send United back to the national stadium.

Despite Raith Rovers' early pressure in the semi-final, United took the lead against the run of play through David Goodwillie. Skipper Andy Webster doubled the advantage in the second half, sealing victory and securing a first cup final appearance since 2005.

In the final, after a goalless first half, United took control. Goodwillie broke the deadlock with a dink over County keeper Michael McGovern from 30 yards.

Craig Conway then sealed victory with two superb goals - his only strikes in the competition that season - first with a precise low drive and then a clinical counter-attack finish.

It was a day of dominance, redemption, and celebration - one that remains a cherished memory for United supporters.

But, as was said many times on Friday night, it was very much a squad effort, with players who weren't stripped on the day playing a vital role throughout the season.

The win secured United's second-ever Scottish Cup, following their 1994 success. The team that day, featuring the likes of Swanson, Conway, Daly, Dillon, Kenneth, Webster, Gomis and Buaben etched their names into club history.

You can find Ronny Costello on The Dode Fox Podcast, external

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

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Sam Dalby's importance to Dundee United cannot be overstated.

To be the league's joint-top scorer for a newly-promoted side is mighty impressive.

In addition to that, he has been responsible for a greater share of a team's goals than anyone else in the Scottish Premiership.

Of the 38 goals Jim Goodwin's side have scored so far in the campaign, Dalby has scored 13 of them, or 34.2% of their total haul.

While this may teeter on the brink of having an overreliance on the scoring exploits of an on-loan forward, United are just three points off third place and reaping the rewards for their recruitment.

Their city rivals Dundee are next on the list, with Simon Murray contributing 26.7% of their 45 goals with 12.

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Dundee United forward Kristijan Trapanovski made his competitive international debut for North Macedonia in their World Cup qualifying won over Liechtenstein.

The 25-year-old came off the bench for the final 10 minutes as his national side cruised to a 3-0 win, putting them top of their qualification group after the opening round of fixtures.

Trapanovski had previously made an appearance in a friendly two-and-a-half years ago but now his his first full cap.

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We asked for your Dundee United player of the year - and the biggest disappointment.

Here's what some of you said:

Dave: There are two candidates for player of the season - Sam Dalby and Will Ferry. In terms of the biggest flops, there are also two candidates. Meshack Ubochioma despite his goal against Hibs and Richard Odada, who looked totally out of his depth in Scottish football.

Garry: Player of the season - Will Ferry. Disappointment - Jort van der Sande.

Colum: Player of the season is going to be tight between Sam Dalby and Vicko Sevelj as both have done exceptionally well. The biggest disappointment, and I know he's only been there a few months, has been Allan Campbell. My Motherwell supporting mates had a tinge of jealousy when we signed him, but he just doesn't look the same player that went down south.

Bob: Craig Sibbald outstanding - we plummeted after he got injured. So glad to have him back for the run-in. Van der Sande has been utterly toothless.

Ewen: Ferry, Dalby and the now-departed Kevin Holt have all had turned in consistent performances throughout the season. My vote for player of the year is for Sevelj, who has been asked to play in various positions and has always been outstanding. Largely through injury Ross Docherty and Louis Moult have featured less than one would wish for and Van der Sande has yet to fulfil his potential.

Kieran: Tough call in a two-horse race between Ferry and Dalby, but if I have to choose one I would go for Ferry. His defensive and offensive capabilities have been near faultless this season. The award for biggest flop has to be Van der Sande - he has offered nothing at all.

Danny: My player of the season, so far, would have been between Ferry, Dalby and Holt. With the latter now gone it is a toss-up between the other two. However, Holt's departure and our downturn in form are not coincidental.

Oleksa: Sevelj without a doubt - he has played in several positions, provided several assists and is a goal threat - hard working, great attitude and a team player.

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin would love to keep some of his current loan players permanently, with Luton Town goalkeeper Jack Walton and Wrexham striker Sam Dalby both free agents this summer and wide man Luca Stephenson going into his last year with Liverpool. (Daily Record), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

With just eight Premiership games left, we're down to the business end of the season.

Player reputations have been enhanced - or sullied - with their performances throughout the campaign.

As thoughts begin to turn to end-of-term awards, we want to know your Dundee United player of the season so far - and the biggest flop.

Share your views

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)