Dundee United

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• Just 28% of Rangers' points in the Scottish Premiership this season have been earned away (13/47), a league-low ratio. Conversely, Dundee United have only picked up 49% of their points at home (18/37), with only St Johnstone (47%) having a lower such share.

• Dundee United are winless in eight league meetings with Rangers (D2 L6) since a 1-0 win in August 2021.

• Rangers have won their past two league visits to Tannadice without conceding; not since April 1978 have they won three such visits in a row while keeping a clean sheet each time.

• Rangers are winless in four away league games (D3 L1), last going longer without winning on their travels within a single league campaign in April 2017 (five).

Whether there have been any official approaches to buy Dundee United and whether Mark Ogren's commitment to the club remains strong in the face of another year of losses will be two of the key topics at Thursday's AGM. (The Courier)

Read the rest of Thursday's gossip.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Dundee United are a side that have rightly been lauded for the season they have had so far.

I have used words like gritty and gutsy to describe the way they have performed in this campaign and that shouldn't mask the fact they have also played some decent stuff.

They have generally recovered well to any setbacks they have suffered.

One such setback was Monday night's Scottish Cup defeat at neighbours Dundee. That will undoubtedly be a huge blow to all involved at United.

But there is no time to wallow in self-pity – I suspect manager Jim Goodwin will be stressing all the positives – and there are plenty of them – surrounding the bigger picture to his players.

They are flying high in third place in the Premiership, the chance to finish as the best of the rest behind Celtic and Rangers remains very much in their own hands.

So this is a season that is delivering more, I suspect, than even the most optimistic of Tangerine fans could have predicted.

However, it is now just the one win in their last four games, in all competitions for Goodwin's side.

Perhaps Sunday's visit of second-placed Rangers is an opportunity for them to lay down a marker and show everyone they remain very much on track.

Their next three games – at home to Rangers, then away to Kilmarnock and Celtic – look tough, but this United team have upset the odds during the course of this campaign, and Goodwin will believe his side can emerge unscathed and very much on course for a European place.

Vicko Sevelj wants Dundee United to bounce back from their Scottish Cup exit against Rangers in Sunday's Premiership meeting and believes catching the second-placed team is still a possibility. (Record), external

United need to start games the way they are finishing them, says former defender Lee Wilkie. (Courier - subscription), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Paul McNicoll
Fan writer

The Scottish Cup dream for United fans is over for yet another year.

It is also the second year in succession we have fallen at the first hurdle. Last year was bad. Really bad. The team went to Dumfries and got emptied by a very poor Queen of the South side. That drive home was a quiet one.

This year, there was no quiet drive home, just some quiet reflection on a frustrated walk back up the road as we failed to get past our nearest, and dearest, neighbours.

We can debate the hows and whys of the defeat, but it is fair to say Dundee started the match by far the better team and a well-worked set-piece gave them the lead.

United seemed to take a little while to get into the game, and that is being generous, but when they did a mixture of wasteful finishing, excellent goalkeeping, stout defending and a lack of luck saw them pay the ultimate price.

It was the first time Dundee had won a derby since 2017 and the first time in 68 years they had beaten United in the Scottish Cup. Still, as a United fan, it was a sickener.

When one door closes, however, another opens, and our full attention will now be on the league.

The squad has been bolstered with the loan arrivals of Lewis Fiorini and the exciting Ruari Paton, which will hopefully ensure a good ending to a very successful, up to now, first season back in the top flight.

A top-six finish would likely have been the internal goal at the start of the season and under Jim Goodwin's guidance anything less than that now will feel a little deflating.

We have given ourselves a great chance of achieving that, and more, after our first half of the season, but with a few teams finding form and others spending a fair bit of money to bolster their squads, it still feels like we have our work cut out.

The cup dream may be over, but a European dream remains.

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

We asked for your views after Dundee United were knocked out of the Scottish Cup following a 1-0 derby defeat at Dens Park.

Here's what some of you said:

Jamie: Was never going to be our night with Trevor Carson putting in a man-of-the-match performance and some of the worst officiating I've seen this season. At times it was like playing against 14 men. Still can't believe our goal in the first half was disallowed.

Malcolm: Something about cup competitions does not suit Jim Goodwin. Not helped by a strange selection and absence of Ross Docherty yet again. Better in second half but pattern of poor first-half performances needs addressed.

Kieran: Gutted to be out of the cup, even more so against the team across the road. It just wasn't to be, the team gave it everything they could. Unlucky not to get a goal or more in the second half. This game won't define what has been a great season so far. Now to fully focus on the league and cement a top-six finish and a possible push for Europe.

Thomas: Simon Murray threw himself to the ground at every opportunity, with minimum contact. This denied United their first and third 'goals'. United could have scored three or four, but so could Dundee. Disappointed the ref couldn't see through Murray's antics. Now United need to push on.

Richard: Gutted by that result of course, but United failed to play in the first half. A lot is made of our performances late in games but they're no use if we don't start properly. Goodwin needs to learn how to break teams down and apply that in the coming weeks.

Ross: From both derby games, if offered three points or through to the next round of the cup, I'd take the former. As in the recent league match the Dees were the better team in the first half and United in the second. Poor defending for the goal and no luck in front of it equals a cup exit. The league remains far more important so full focus moving forward.

United fans, were you at Dens Park to see your side exit the Scottish Cup or were you following along from home? Either way, we want your thoughts on the game.

Have your say., external

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin tells BBC Scotland: "It certainly wasn't the start we were looking for.

"We knew the game would be really intense and we saw that, but to concede a goal in the opening minute is as bad as you can get.

"The reaction in the second half was outstanding. We played the majority of it in Dundee's half. Unfortunately tonight it wasn't to be.

"Credit to Dundee, they defended their box brilliantly, a couple of blocks on the line.

"It's extremely frustrating to be out of the cup because we all have that dream of going to Hampden.

"I do have a bit of a gripe. In the first half, Vicko Sevelj scores and I think the referee blows his whistle far too early. The Dundee player goes over too easily and we're punished for it."

Fans of both sides anticipate Monday's Dundee derby in the Scottish Cup fourth round.

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Dundee United's new signing Ruari Paton is relishing the chance to take on Premiership defences having been on a "rollercoaster" journey to reach Scotland's top flight.

The Irish striker failed to make the grade with Hibernian as a youngster, before spells at East Kilbride, Stranraer, Queen of the South and Queen's Park in Scotland's lower divisions.

The 24-year-old then signed for Port Vale last summer, but moves back north of the border with a loan switch to Tannadice.

"I was thinking about what a rollercoaster it's been from leaving Hibs and having to kind of basically work my way all the way through every level," Paton said.

"But when you're looking at it, it doesn't get bigger than this in Scotland.

"What I'm really looking forward to is going up against the teams in this league and saying 'let's have a go, let's see what this is about'. The supporters hopefully will see someone who plays with his heart on his sleeve.

"I know if every supporter that's watching can see that, I'm more than happy with that.

"But in terms of the league and the level, definitely ready to go and try to put my mark on it."

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Dundee United are close to signing Stockport County midfielder Lewis Fiorini on loan. (Sun), external

Fiorini, 22, is in advanced talks with United. (Courier - subscription), external

Read Monday's Scottish gossip

Dundee United are on the brink of signing Lewis Fiorini and Ruari Paton on loan deals from Stockport County and Port Vale, respectively. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

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Jim Goodwin says his Dundee United side are prepared to secure Scottish Cup progression by any means necessary when they face neighbours Dundee on Monday.

The Tangerines have impressed on their return to the top flight and sit third in the Scottish Premiership, 10 points ahead of Dundee in seventh.

League form has a tendency to fly out the window for cup games, but Goodwin is ready for a "dogfight" at Dens Park.

"I don't think anybody cares a great deal in these derby games about the overall performance," the Irish manager said.

"It's the end result that they want. We've got a way that we want to play and we want to be entertaining and we want to get the ball down.

"But very often in these games because of what's at stake and the nerves that are involved in it, sometimes it can be a real dogfight. But my boys have shown over the last few months that they're more than capable of that."

United are unbeaten in the two Dundee derbies so far this season. In the most recent meeting at the start of January, Sam Dalby's late goal earned Goodwin's side victory in the Scottish Premiership.

"The last game was a really entertaining game," Goodwin said. "A very dramatic finish in terms of us getting that late goal to take all three points on the night. But it was a great occasion to be involved in.

"The players, the atmosphere generated by both sets of fans, a full house, a real understanding from the players of what it means to the supporters.

"Every game against your close neighbours though, they're a bit like cup ties anyway because you've got to give your all."

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Meshack Ubochioma will spend the rest of the season on loan at Championship club Livingston after struggling to make an impact at Dundee United following his summer arrival.

The Nigerian winger joined from Hungarian outfit Zalaegerszeg on a two-year deal but has made just two appearances, scoring once, for the Tannadice side.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United winger Glenn Middleton believes Scottish Cup success is "there for the taking" this season as he looks to lift the trophy a second time.

United, currently best of the rest in the Premiership outwith the Old Firm, make the short trip to Dens Park on Monday night for a derby meeting where the prize is a place in the fifth round.

Middleton, who was part of the St Johnstone side that defeated Hibs in the final four years ago, said: "I think you'd be daft not to [believe you can go all the way]. I think everyone backs themselves in a cup competition. It's there for the taking.

"I've luckily done it in the past. I know how much it actually does mean and the excitement around it. It's always something that you look back on and it would be great to hopefully move forward in the competition again.

"There's obviously been a lot of ups and downs recently, but in the here and now I think we're really doing well as a team and as a club.

"I think everyone says at the minute we're all moving in the same direction and everyone's on the same page. Monday is another chance to take another step forward and keep progressing as a team."

United are unbeaten in two meetings with Dundee this season, drawing 2-2 on the opening day before Sam Dalby netted a late winner in the new year derby at Dens.

Middleton is calling for cool heads on Monday night, saying: "Cup games are an individual tie and it will be really tough.

"It will come with a lot of emotion and a lot of excitement around the whole place, but I think whoever handles that the best will come out on top."

Clive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland

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Monday's Dundee derby has captured the imagination ever since the Scottish Cup fourth-round draw was made - and it arrives at a time when the city rivals are both on a bit of a high.

Dundee are 10 points and four places below third-top United in the Premiership after only two wins in eight outings.

But Tony Docherty's side have recovered from a poor spell and are not only unbeaten in three, but the latest two have been creditable draws with the top two sides - Rangers and Celtic.

After a 1-0 win away to St Mirren last time out, Jim Goodwin's visitors have only lost twice in seven and will be looking to repeat their 2-1 league win at Dens Park just over a fortnight ago.

Indeed, United have not lost on the other side of Tannadice Street in eight visits since August 2017.

Read Scottish Cup preview in full.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United are "quite close" to securing at least one new signing before Monday night's Scottish Cup derby at Dens Park, says manager Jim Goodwin.

The Irishman, who has yet to add to his squad in the January window, is targeting a forward but also looking to bolster midfield and defence.

"I think we're quite close with one definitely and possibly two. There's still a little bit of time before the game on Monday to try and get at least one of those over the line," Goodwin said.

"We're no different to any other team out there. We maybe don't have the resources and the funds available like some teams do to go out and pay fees for players. The recruitment up to now I think has been very good.

"We've been running with three senior strikers all season. Obviously Owen Stirton comes into that but still lacks that experience of playing regularly at Premiership level. I think we're still a little bit light at the top end of the pitch.

"We've had to go without [Louis] Moult for a considerable period of time which has left us only [Jort] van der Sande and [Sam] Dalby. We want to make sure we don't find ourselves in that situation going into the latter stages of the season. I also think midfield area and potentially a little bit of cover in the backline."

Goodwin admits United's impressive season so far - the Terrors sit third in the Premiership - makes the club "a much easier sell" to prospective signings, but says deals are still tricky to complete.

"It's not quite as easy or straightforward as people might think," he added. "We've identified good players who have other options. Sometimes the parent clubs are trying to get another deal done in order to free up that player.

"There's a lot of pieces that need to fall into place but I've got great support from the board. They backed me in the summer to bring in 13 new faces.

"They've backed me again this window to add a little bit more quality just to make sure that we keep that strength and depth in the squad and to try and maintain the position that we're in."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before Dundee United's Scottish Cup derby with Dundee on Monday.

Here are the key points from the United manager:

• Goodwin is hopeful of adding at least one new signing before Monday night's game.

• Dundee will be a "big hurdle" but Goodwin set the target of a cup run at the start of the season and wants to make it further than the quarter-finals after his side reached that stage in the League Cup.

• While United want to play good football, Goodwin accepts the derby often becomes a "real dogfight" but insists his players are ready for the occasion.

• He adds: "They rose to the challenge the last time we played at Dens Park just recently and I would expect them to do the same on Monday."

• Tannadice players and staff are "well aware" of what's required when taking on Dundee and how much the game means to the fans.

• "Small margins" have been the difference in recent meetings and Goodwin expects the same again. He says Tony Docherty's side were "excellent" in the midweek draw with Celtic and "really unlucky not to get a historic win".

• He's determined to continue United's "feelgood factor" with a second successive derby win.

• On United's habit of late goals this season: "I don't put it down to good fortune or luck. That's testament to the group that they've got that never-say-die attitude. They keep going right to the last kick. We've tried to drill that home right from the beginning that this is our mentality as a team."

Jim Goodwin says talks with players who are out of contract this summer will remain on the back burner until the Dundee United navigated the January transfer window, but the manager is confident of keeping his players on loan, including striker Sam Dalby. (The Courier), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.