Dundee United defender Bert Esselink echoed much of manager Jim Goodwin’s comments after a Dundee Derby defeat on Saturday.

United were bested 2-0 at home to rivals Dundee in a match where they had most of the possession, but failed to create any real goalscoring opportunities.

The defeat leaves the Tannadice side 11th after three games and without a win. Including their League Cup defeat to Celtic it’s now three defeats in-a-row for United, where they haven’t found the net once and conceded 10 goals whilst doing so.

After the match, Esselink emphasised that whilst his team were disappointed to lose the game, he believes their luck will turn eventually. He said: “A very tough result, a hard day for us. We have to stick together. You can see that there are chances and the moments we get into their box and we get big opportunities. It just doesn’t fall our way and that’s what we have to change.”

“I don’t believe there’s a lack of confidence, we are very well grouped together, we believe in each other. We do things properly every day in training, but training doesn’t count, we need to get goals in the games. We have to change it together, and the first opportunity is next week.”

Dundee United teenager Abdoulaye Yoro was on the receiving end of a lot of criticism, not only down to giving the ball to Drey Wright prior to his opener, but also for his reaction, or lack of when attempting to win the ball back. Esselink said: “He is still a young guy. Everyone makes a mistake or gives a bad pass. It is part of the game, but it is the reaction that matters the most. He knows it.

“We need to keep on top of that with everyone. You need to react yourself when you lose the ball. These are the basics I am talking about. We need to keep on top of that from the training sessions and into the games.”

United next travel to bottom place Kilmarnock on Saturday as both sides are in pursuit of their first league win of the season.