Dundee United

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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.

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• All three league matches between Dundee United and Hearts last season finished as 1-0 wins to the away side, with the Tangerines winning two of those and Hearts the other. United are looking to win back-to-back Premiership games against Hearts for the first time since March 2014.

• Hearts are unbeaten in five Premiership away games at Dundee United (won three, drawn two) since a 2-1 defeat in February 2016.

• Hearts could win back-to-back top-flight visits to Tannadice for the first time since December 2002.

• Dundee United have won their opening home game of a Premiership season in just one of their past five top-flight campaigns (drawn two, lost two), beating Rangers 1-0 in 2021-22.

• After their 2-0 victory over Aberdeen, Hearts are looking to start a league season with wins in both of their opening two matches for the first time since 2021-22. Indeed, Derek McInnes could become the first manager to win both of his first two top-flight games in charge of the club since Robbie Neilson in August 2015.

• In their 2-2 draw with Falkirk on matchday one, Max Watters and Ivan Dolcek both scored on their Scottish Premiership debut – no player on record (since 2005-06) has found the net on both of their first two appearances in the competition for Dundee United.

Jane Lewis in Vienna
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Bert Esselink is determined to help prolong Dundee United's European adventure after the memorable 2-2 draw at Rapid Vienna.

Jim Goodwin's men showed admirable grit in the Austrian capital to twice come from behind with goals from Max Watters and Zac Sapsford and make it all to play for in next Thursday's second leg at Tannadice.

AIK Stockholm or FC Gyor await the winners of the tie in the Conference League play-off round.

"We are in it and let's stay in it the longest we can," said Dutch defender Esselink.

"I think for everyone in the team, it's something that you watch during Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday nights. You watch the games in Europe and that's something everyone wants to be a part of."

Esselink, a summer arrival from Polish side Stal Mielec, was pleased with United's gritty display in Vienna but stressed there's still room for improvement.

"Ofcourse, it's a boost for us, especially in the second half to make the draw," he said.

"So yeah, that gives us confidence. We have to keep working, put up the same performance and maybe change a few parts of the game that we can do better.

"We need to have the confidence and the pride to proceed and go well on Thursday night.

"I think we can get a bit more pressure on them. But also the way we're marking crosses and where we conceded the goals.

"We have to do it better in our communication and our positioning. So that's things we have to work on and we have to do it fast."

We asked for your views on Dundee United's 2-2 draw away to Rapid Vienna in the first leg of their Conference League third-round qualifier.

Here's what some of you said:

Adam: Absolutely sensational performance. Once again Jim Goodwin has built a team that will fight until the bitter end. Zac Sapsford looks an absolute gem. They will not relish playing us at a sold out Tannadice!

Murray: Absolutely brilliant result. I've supported United for over 40 years and this result is up there with the best. I say that as this team are just at the beginning of the process of learning to play together. While they rode their luck at times, the draw was merited and deserved. As long as they give it their best shot next week I'll be happy.

Jim: Another brilliant night in United's European history. Great performance from the team, squad, manager, backroom staff and the fans.

Iain: A brilliant performance by United, the team is really starting to gel together, if we put that kind of performance in at home we will definitely progress to the play-off round.

Kieran: It is nights like this that makes you proud to support United, through thick and thin. Our main task was to keep the score credible and boy haven't we just. To a man the team were outstanding. Did we ride our luck at times? Yes. But the bravery, desire and resilience to come back twice from behind shows we can mix in with the big boys and not be there just to make up the numbers.

Ian: Impressive. Well done to all, one of those games where all the players turned up and played as a team and when that happens you are on to a good thing.

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Former United midfielder Scott Allan on BBC Sportscene

Outstanding away performance from Dundee United. They all deserve full credit, that took a whole team performance.

Jim Goodwin will be absolutely delighted. Take this game back to Tannadice and it's all to play for.

Zac Sapsford was outstanding all night, he deserved that goal and after it the team took huge belief.

Former United defender Sean Dillon on BBC Sportscene

I'm delighted for them, they defended really and everyone deserves a huge amount of credit.

Craig Sibbald down the middle of the park was brilliant, an unsung hero. He was doing thing you don't normally see or people don't often pick up on, but he was just so calm in how he did it.

Owen Stirton was given half an hour not just the last few minutes. He was trusted with that and he was excellent when he came on. Having substitutes improving your team is excellent for the manager and the team got more confident and grew as the game went on.

Rapid Vienna were really dangerous down the wings but to come back from behind twice and make tackles and blocks, Bert Esselink in particular, was incredible.

There were so many individuals who went above and beyond.

Football journalist Moira Gordon on BBC Scottish Football Podcast

Being the team with the momentum at the end of the match always helps.

When you're coming back feeling that you've been abroad, you've done the hard job of fighting back twice, you get a belief from that.

In United's earlier games, people looked and maybe thought they were slow starting. There was a lot of players still to gel but I think there is more team fluidity there now.

The fact they were able to do that in a really tough tie and be able to come back more than alive, they'll fancy their chances back home. They've shown they've got the fight for it and they want it.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland in Vienna

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Dundee United defender Will Ferry believes his side have shown they "can hang with the big clubs" by drawing 2-2 with Rapid Vienna in the first leg of their Conference League qualifier on Thursday.

Although Ferry concedes United were up against it at times against a team who reached the quarter-finals last season, he believes they've shown enough to have the belief that they can win through to the play-off round.

"We can hang with these big teams, big clubs," Ferry told BBC Scotland.

"Don't get me wrong, there were points in that game where they were popping it and the movement of the front four, sometimes it was really hard to deal with.

"But this is what we dream of as a kid, playing against these good teams, good players, good atmospheres."

Ferry says the atmosphere in the Allianz Stadium was the "one of the best he's played in", and is calling for United's fans to replicate that at Tannadice for the return leg next Thursday.

A play-off tie with Sweden's AIK Stockholm or FC Gyor of Kosovo in the play-off round is the prize at stake.

"We're going to be on a home pitch next week and hopefully fans get up for it as well. It's about being aggressive, physical and just not giving them an easy game."

"When the fans are up for it, it's a great place to play. It'll be a bit different to tonight. Hopefully the fans will help push us over the line."