Dundee United

Paul McNicoll
Fan writer

It's been a tough few days as a United fan.

Despite going out on penalties on Thursday night, you couldn't help but feel proud.

The effort, the spirit, the togetherness was all there. Every player gave everything, and we matched a decent European side over two legs. The crowd at Tannadice played their part too. It felt like a proper big night again.

Fast forward to Sunday and it's hard to feel anything but flat.

Yes, the squad's stretched. Yes, it's been a brutal schedule. But to go out of the League Cup with a whimper hurts. We never got going. Kilmarnock were streetwise, organised and we didn't ask enough questions - or defend well.

The contrast between Thursday's fire and Sunday's fizzle was hard to watch.

Two competitions gone in the space of four days. That's a sore one. You can understand the fatigue, but it doesn't make it easier to swallow.

The support has been incredible by travelling, turning up and singing their hearts out. All we want is to see our team give themselves a chance.

We'll dust ourselves down and go again. The league now becomes everything until the Scottish Cup comes round in January.

We've seen enough already to know this group is capable, but if we want to build something lasting then we can't keep letting these opportunities pass us by.

Plenty of football still to play. But we need a response. And fast.

Paul can be found at the Dode Fox Podcast, external

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Luca Stephenson thinks his pre-season experience with Liverpool has improved him as a player as he begins a second loan period with Dundee United.

The 21-year-old signed a new contract at Anfield after featuring four times in summer friendlies.

"It's sometimes a bit of an eye-opener when you play with players of that quality," he said.

"I thought I had a really good season up here last year, and then you go back there and you see there's other levels to the game.

"I'm just hoping what I learnt over the six weeks while I was with them in pre-season, can I bring that here, can I show people what I've learnt off them? And I know I'm only young, but can I help other people?"

On his conversations with Reds manager Arne Slot, Stephenson explained: "He watched an awful lot of me last year, whether it was live games on the telly or through clips, and I think he enjoyed how I came on.

"I think he's seen another improvement from me when I came back into pre-season, so the message from him was quite clear - to go and do the same again, step up another level if it's possible."

Stephenson played 33 consecutive league games for United last season before undergoing double hernia surgery.

"Being on loan, it's not the easiest thing in the world, knowing you're only going to be in places for a short amount of time, a year here, a year there," he added.

"I wanted to be somewhere I was happy, I was comfortable. I liked the dressing room, I liked the manager and I wanted to be somewhere where I was appreciated."

We asked for your views on Dundee United's 2-1 defeat against Kilmarnock in the Scottish League Cup.

Here's what some of you said:

Joe: Another cup disappointment but thought we showed a lot of quality in the first half. We were dead on our feet in the second half but not overly concerned to lose that game, very excited about what this team is capable of. Bring on the derby, if we can't beat them them then I'll start to worry.

Andy: Dreadful performance I'm afraid. So disappointing after so many good performances. There was nothing good to take from today and even worse another injury!

Jack: Another injury will really put us in a dangerous situation. Hopefully the team gels a bit more during the break. If I was Jim Goodwin I would get the defence sorted out ASAP.

Jamie: The management of the players now needs to be questioned. How can we have between six to eight players out injured for the first five games of a season? Goodwin should have played a lot of the young players against Hearts to give others rest. Now we are going into a Dundee Derby with Owen Stirton as our only striker. Sort it out United!

Lee: United's defence was the jewel in their crown last season now it's a mess. The new boys, and in particular Iurie Iovu, have struggled and the team keep losing goals at set pieces. Goodwin needs to sort that out. He could start by putting Sam Harding in the team who's a much better player than the defenders he's brought in. Scottish football needs to ditch these old pieces of carpet they call artificial pitches. Every time United play on them someone gets injured and this time it was Max Watters.

Kieran: I think the result was a foregone conclusion before the ball was kicked but my word we could not have made it any easier for Killie for score. For the first goal, the gaping hole in defence was laughable - you could have literally parked a bus in there. The second goal was just as embarrassing. Again lessons not learned from cross balls into the box which is ironic seeing as we are meant to have some of the tallest defenders in our ranks. That's every game bar UNA Strassen we have conceded two-plus goals. Even so early on it is alarming especially with the derby next up.

Returning captain Brad Lyons netted the winner against Dundee United as Kilmarnock set up a Premier Sports Cup quarter-final at home to St Mirren.

Read the match report here

Have your say on the game

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "We always had a concern about this afternoon's fixture given the exploits on Thursday night.

"The boys have played 120 minutes of football on Thursday, very little time to recover for the game, Kilmarnock were the fresher team and I think that showed. But that's no excuse for some of the goals we conceded.

"The first goal was shocking, the second goal is embarrassing. We've had numerous warnings in the last couple of games, we've not dealt with a wide free-kick.

"I thought the game overall wasn't a great spectacle. In the second half we offered very little.

"We find ourselves going out far too early at this stage of the cup competition. The real frustration from us is that we haven't been undone by wonderful football, today we've not defended situations well enough. I had a feeling we'd run out of energy in the second half and that's what happened.

"I don't know what we've done to deserve the bad fortune that we've had since we've come back from pre-season. We thought we had finely tuned the players. I think Max Watters' injury is a fatigue injury.

"He's put a lot into the last couple of weeks, he came late into the team, he sprinted for that ball and felt something go behind his leg. We don't know what the damage is, we'll have to get another scan but the injury list is a joke at the moment. We're going without some really important players and we're asking a lot of those we do have available."

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Dundee United striker Zac Sapsford is facing up to four weeks on the sidelines after picking up an ankle injury against Rapid Vienna.

The forward won his side a penalty in their Conference League defeat at Tannadice on Thursday night but strained an ankle ligament in the process.

Having been replaced by Amar Fatah in the squad for Sunday's League Cup game against Kilmarnock, manager Jim Goodwin confirmed the extent of Sapsford's injury.

"Fatah is in the team today because of the injury to Zac Sapsford that he picked up in the build-up to the penalty where he got wiped out," Goodwin said.

"That's a major disappointment for us because he's been a real key player for us up until now.

"It's a strained ankle ligament injury so those types of injuries can take anything from two to four weeks.

"He's a young lad, he'll heal quickly. Majorly disappointed not to have him in a really important game today."

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Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin is confident he can "get them going" following Thursday's Conference League disappointment.

United lost on penalties to Rapid Vienna in the third qualifying round and the Tangerines face a Sunday trip to Rugby Park to take on Kilmarnock in the Premier Sports Cup second round.

"I don't think it will be difficult to get them going," said Goodwin. "I do obviously have a concern around about the energy levels within the group.

"A number of the players have had to play every minute of every game this season so far, given the amount of players we have missing.

"It was my first time as manager being involved in European football and I can respect what other managers and teams have had to go through in years gone by and I can see how difficult it is to get that balance right.

"When you're missing seven or eight key players like we have been over the last three or four weeks, then it makes that all the more difficult, unfortunately."

Forward Max Watters, 26, believes Dundee United will only get better after narrowly missing out on the Conference League play-off round. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

Richard Winton
BBC Sport Scotland

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Defender Bert Esselink says Dundee United must aim to be back in Europe next season after showing they can compete in continental competition.

Jim Goodwin's side led 4-2 on aggregate against a Rapid Vienna side who reached the quarter-finals last season, before ultimately going out of Conference League qualifying at Tannadice on Thursday on penalties.

"We have to strive for that again," said Esselink, who joined United in the summer.

"I think as a team we are capable of good things. We showed we can be part of these competitions and that we can compete with these kinds of teams.

"That's something we can be proud of and have to strive for again until the end of the season."

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We asked for your views on Dundee United's defeat on penalties to Rapid Vienna in the Conference League third qualifying round.

Here are some of your comments:

Richard: Shoutout to the fans, that was the best atmosphere I've experienced at Tannadice. First-half performance was incredible, second half for some reason we sit back and invite them to score. You could see extra time coming a mile off, such a disappointing approach to the second 45 minutes. At least we have some more time now for the injured players to recover!

Rob: The result is hard to take, but let's look at the positives. So many performances from so many players, all over the park. To a man, we were superb, especially in that first half. Credit to Jim Goodwin and his staff - this United team can play and it can fight. Everyone connected with the club should be very, very proud of this team.

Kieran: If there was any game to show two sides to football this was it. From sheer delirium at half-time to utter devastation at the end. Again the frustration from most fans would be we let an another lead slip but overall we have immense pride for the team. They left everything and more out on the park to take a quality team like Rapid all the way to penalties. The team can only get better from here.

Stephen: Conflicted pride at the end. I can't ask for any more from those players. They left it all out on the pitch and for one strike hitting the frame we are out and I'm as gutted as I am proud of the effort. Nobody gave us a hope yet we came so close with a brand new squad that's still yet getting to know one another. It's done so on to the League Cup then the league with optimism.

Nathan: Immensely proud of the team. It's the manner of defeat that's sickening. Two up with 30 minutes to go and then lose by one penalty in a shootout.

Jamie: Never thought I'd see a Rapid Vienna side playing for penalties. Owen Stirton's chance in extra time will haunt us for a long time. I'd also like to say how disappointed I am in whoever runs the music at Tannadice. They made Fatah wait for 30 seconds to take his penalty when he was ready to go. Gutted for the players.

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Former Dundee United striker Billy Dodds on BBC Sportsound

United took four good penalties and Amar Fatah's wasn't bad, it just it the post, he struck it well, just off direction. They should be so proud because this was a good team they were playing against.

I think United should've won it in injury time. It was the old rollercoaster. You can see this Dundee United team growing. They have to take the positives. His team are gelling. This team are going places.

Former United coach Tony Docherty on BBC Sportsound

United deserve great credit. Dundee United have taken a real quality Rapid Vienna team to penalty kicks. For Jim [Goodwin], I'm disappointed for him but he'll take huge pride from that performance.

They took this tie right to the death against a really, really strong opponent. The standard of penalties at the end there was outstanding and that's the determining factor.

Former Dundee defender Cammy Kerr on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast

It goes to show how far United have come. There's a real foundation at United now.

I know for a fact Jim Goodwin definitely fancied their chances taking Rapid back to Tannadice at 2-2. Extremely unlucky. It's always kind of that luck when you go to penalties.

Midfielder Luca Stephenson, 21, harboured hopes of returning to Dundee United on loan from Liverpool before securing a second loan at Tannadice this week. (Record), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

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".

Image source, Getty Images

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."