Dundee United Archives

Dundee United 2-0 Ayr United – Dundee United leave it late to ensure they don’t suffer any upset

Dundee United host in-form Ayr United to Tannadice in the Scottish Cup Fourth Round as Jim Goodwin’s side aim to avoid any upset. A frustrating opening period with no chances at all with both sides showing struggles of keeping the ball, losing possession on many occasions. Dowds had a fantastic chance after 8 minutes, a strike from distance but Richards with a brilliant diving save to deny the Ayr striker an opener. The hosts had a chance of their own, a corner in from Fatah which was punched away by Russell in goals but only as far as Will Ferry who volleyed it from just inside the box but fired just high of goal. Sapsford a minute on had a chance from distance but well stopped by the Ayr shot-stopper. Ayr had a great chance after 18 minutes. A brilliant ball by Finney into Holt where the former Dundee United man whipped the ball across goal but couldn’t find anyone lurking to tap it in. A horrible mistake at the back by Ayr allowed Fatah to have a run at goal but outstanding play by Holt to get back and prevent any danger. Ayr with a wasted chance, an outstanding ball by Dempsey who fed the ball into Jamie Murphy who should’ve unleashed his strike earlier but took far to long and was too late as the hosts were back in position to deny Ayr firing ahead. Stephenson with an unreal attempt from range after 37 minutes but his strike fired just inches wide of goal to ensure the game remains goalless. Into the second 45, substitute Trapanovski had a chance of his own doing what he does best, cutting onto his right and unleashing which was a weak effort which didn’t really test Russell in the Ayr’s goal. Unreal work by Trapanosvki again causing mayhem on the left-hand side, twisting and turning but still can’t get his side in front but some excellent work by the North Macedonian international. Youngster, Cleall-Harding took on a strike from the edge of the box but was well palmed away to avoid the hosts firing in front. Great play by Rus for Ayr, an error by youngster Cleall-Harding as he passed it straight to the Ayr forward with a darting run with his strike flashing wide of goal. Poor play in the middle by Dempsey, losing the ball which fell to Sibbald who put it into the path of Fatah with his strike being well tapped away by Russell. Mark McKenzie with a darting run who fed the ball into Dowds but the attacker just couldn’t control it as the ball went out for a goal kick. A flurry of chances for the hosts, firstly an attempt from close range easily tipped away by the Ayr keeper which was whipped back into the box with Moller getting his head to it but the strike goes just wide of goal. Strain with a ball into the box after bodying off Rus which then found Moller in the centre of the box which found the back of the net to give the substitute his first goal for Dundee United. A darting run by Trapanovski once again, he squared it to the substitute Camara who calmly struck it into the back of the net to put the nail in the coffin for Ayr. Not the best of watches but Jim Goodwin won’t care as his side are into the next round in which wasn’t the most entertaining of games but it’s the hosts who progress as Ayr are out. Dundee United: Richards (6), Ferry (6), Keresztes (6), Graham (6), Cleall-Harding (7), Stephenson (7), Naamo (6), Sibbald (6), Fatah (7), Sapsford (6), Watters (6). Substitutes: Trapanovski (7), Strain (6), Stirton (5), Camara (8), Moller (8). Ayr United: Russell (7), Holt (6), Bannigan (7), Dowds (6), Dempsey (7), Murphy (6), King (6), McKenzie (6), Rus (7), McMann (6), Finney (7). Substitutes: Bonnar (6), Main (6), Summers (6), Thomas (6).

January 17, 2026

United secure “depth and quality” in Neil Farrugia

Dundee United have announced the signing of fullback Neil Farrugia. The Irishman joins the Tannadice side on a deal until the summer of 2028. Farrugia spent last season at Barnsley in League One and has enjoyed the majority of his football in Ireland for Shamrock Rovers. He made 136 appearances for the Rovers, scoring 12 goals, and featured 11 times in the UEFA Conference League. Manager Jim Goodwin was pleased to welcome Farrugia to Tannadice, highlighting that he will fit United’s “tactical framework”. “He is comfortable operating on both sides of the pitch and offers real value in our progression phase. He carries the ball effectively from deep, understands when to hold width, when to attack inside, and delivers accurately from good areas.” “His ability to play off either foot also allows us to avoid becoming predictable, especially against teams who defend in a low block” “He also brings vast experience from different environments, having played almost 200 senior games back home in Ireland under the demands of consistent success, featured regularly in high-profile European competition and tested himself down south throughout the past year.” “At 26, he is at an age where he understands the game well but still has scope to improve within our structure. I’m delighted to have him at my disposal.” The deal is subject to international clearance; upon completion, Farrugia would be available for the Scottish Cup clash against Ayr United on Saturday afternoon.

January 14, 2026

Celtic 4-0 Dundee United: Martin O’Neill’s Magic Returns Winning Feeling To Celtic

Celtic won their first game of Martin O’Neill’s second interim spell in charge this season, defeating Dundee United 4-0 at Celtic Park. Two goals in each half were enough for the Northern Irishman’s side, with Hyun-jun Yang and Arne Engels netting in the first period, before Benjamin Nygren and Daizen Maeda completed the rout in the final half hour. It was Celtic’s first match since sacking Wilfried Nancy after 33 days, and they Hoops were able to keep a clean sheet for the first time since what we thought was Martin’s O’Neill’s last game as manager, when the defending champions eked out a 1-0 win over the over side of Dundee at Parkhead. The result temporarily lifts Celtic back into second place, three points behind leaders Hearts and ahead of rivals Rangers on goal difference. Both sides are in action tomorrow, away to Dundee and Aberdeen respectively. The hosts dominated proceedings from the referee’s whistle at kick-off, with he majority of play prevented Dundee United from escaping their own half as their resolute defence eventually caved 27 minutes in. Liam Scales picked out Yang on the edge of the area, and the South Korean’s low rocket flew beyond Dave Richards in the United net to open proceedings. And five minutes later Celtic were two in front. Kieran Tierney delivered a ball from the left flank and Belgian midfielder Arne Engels got first to it, putting daylight between the sides after his left-foot effort sailed into the goal. The Terrors had a glorious opportunity to get themselves back into the game which went begging just a couple of minutes before the half-time break. Teenage forward Owen Stirton took advantage of a slack pass from Austin Trusty, but the American was bailed out by an excellent recovery from his centre-half partner Liam Scales who got in the way of the 18-year-old’s attempt. Celtic were able to equal the intensity on the first half in the second, something they were unable to do in many games throughout Nancy’s forgetful tenure. Benjamin Nygren found himself with space on the six-yard line as the ball broke out to him, and the Swede’s fired home to convert for the 9th time in the league so far this campaign. And the Celtic fans would have to wait an extra minute between goals this time. Daizen Maeda got in on the act six minutes after Nygren, with the Japanese attacker reacting first to a parried effort from Sebastian Tounekti. Richard’s save fell straight to the 28-year-old, who put the ball out of reach to put a ribbon on a heavily sought after three points for Celtic. Dundee United remain outside the top six, sitting seventh in the table with only two wins from their last thirteen games. They host Scott Brown’s Ayr United in the Scottish Cup next Saturday. As for today’s winners, a much welcomed result and performance for Martin O’Neill on his return cuts the gap on Hearts at least until they play Dundee tomorrow. The Bhoys have a game in hand of the capital side, which takes place this Wednesday away to sixth placed Falkirk. CELTIC: Schmeichel 5, Araujo 5 (Donovan 61′ 2), Trusty 5, Scales 7, Tierney 7, Hatate 5 (Nygren 61′ 5), McGregor 6, Engels 7, Tounekti 6 (Forrest 72′ 2), Yang 8 (McCowan 72′ 1) Maeda 6 (Kenny 72′ 1) DUNDEE UNITED: Richards 4, Naamo 4, Sevelj 5 (Eskesen 78′ 1), Graham 5, Keresztes 4, Ferry 3, Stephenson 4, Sibbald 5, Camara 2 (Fatah 46′ 2), Stirton 2 (Strain 61′ 1), Sapsford 3 (Moller 79′ 1)

January 10, 2026

Dundee leave with the bragging rights in a tight victory over Dundee United

Dundee defeat Dundee United through a first half strike by Ashley Hay in the Dundee derby. Dundee United had a great early chance but Max Watters blocking his team-mates strike preventing the hosts firing ahead. Keresztes almost had Dundee United ahead, a header from close range but being tipped over by Jon McCracken in goals. Dundee nearly went ahead, a wonderful free-kick into the box by Dhanda but Koumetio flashed his header just wide of goal to keep the match goalless. A very end-to-end start but neither side able to break the deadlock. Both sides looking really lively in the early stages with challenges flying in. Dundee had a major chance to fire ahead, Graham with a ball into the back post which was met by Koumetio who took an extra touch which rattled the side netting. Moments on, Dundee should’ve scored again as Yogane smashed a ball in but Astley who took the shot fired well over. Dundee were awarded a dangerous free-kick just outside the box after a foul on Yogane, Yan Dhanda took the strike on but smashed into the wall which fell to Congreve who fired into the stands. Camara unleashed a strike from distance following a throw-in but his effort fires too high. Sapsford had a chance after 35 mins, a strike from close range which was spilt by McCracken with Watters racing to the ball but McCracken managing to save himself and collect the ball. Ashley Hay was close for Dundee, a strike from distance which flew high and wide despite Congreve being wide and open on the right-hand side. Dundee went ahead late first half, a darting run by Ashley Hay who found himself through on goal which struck it past Dave Richards to put the visitors in front. Into the second half, the home side started to show signs of a goal as Camara from distance took on a strike which was blocked. After brilliant play, Fatah had a chance from the flank but his effort was too high to cause any issues. Despite Dundee United dominating, Dundee were unlucky not to double the advantage, Jones from the edge of the box well stopped with goal-scorer, Hay striking the follow-up but a good stop by Richards. Camara had a massive chance inside the box with his volley being well blocked which was eventually cleared. Luca Stephenson had a fantastic chance, a tame effort from close range which looked to be set to go in but McCracken was down well to deny the ex-Liverpool man. Sapsford shortly later should’ve had the game level, Fatah with a pass into the striker who didn’t unleash first time making it a simple stop for the Dundee number one. Poor play by both Keresztes and Sibbald allowed young Finlay Robertson in but his effort being stopped by Dave Richards in goal which could’ve easily been the nail in the coffin in this game. Dundee regained the bragging rights with after edging past United with a late first-half strike by Ashley Hay for the visitors. A deserved victory in the derby for Dundee as they pick up a valuable three points on their short travel across the road. Dundee United: Richards (6), Esselink (6), Iovu (6), Camara (7), Sapsford (6), Ferry (6), Sibbald (5), Fatah (7), Stephenson (7), Keresztes (7), Watters (7). Substitutes: Graham (6), Trapanovski (6), Stirton (6), Dolcek (6). Dundee: McCracken (7), Astley (7), Koumetio(7), Wright (7), Hay (9), Yogane (8), Congreve (7), Dhanda (8), Graham (7), Jones (7), Hamilton (7). Substitutes: F. Robertson (7), Samuels (6), Digby (6).

January 3, 2026

Dundee United vs Dundee Match Preview

The Dundee Derby returns this weekend as Jim Goodwin’s inform Dundee United side take on Steven Pressley’s Dundee side who come into this fixture off the back of back-to-back league wins at Dens Park. The last meeting between these sides came in late August this year at Dens Park, where United won 2-0. Summer signings Sapsford and Dolcek scored the goals to give the visitors all 3 points. Results have been very even in the past 7 meetings, 3 have ended in a draw, Dundee have won 2 and so have Dundee United. Dundee United come into the fixture off the back of a 3-1 win away against bottom of the league Livingston, which now means that they are currently on a run of 5 games unbeaten, 3 draws and 2 wins, which started with a 0-0 draw against high-flying Motherwell, then a 2-1 win against the champions Celtic, a 1-1 draw against David Gray’s Hibernian, a 1-1 draw against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, and that 3-1 win in Livingston in their last outing. As a result, The Tangerines now sit in 6th place, above Aberdeen in 7th on goal difference, who lost 2-0 at Easter Road in their last outing, and 1 points above Falkirk in 8th, who lost 1-0 at Dens Park in their last match, albeit having played a game more than both. Dundee come into this fixture off the back of back-to-back league wins for the first time under Steven Pressley and for the first time since March 2024, where they beat Aberdeen at Dens Park then went on to beat St Johnstone in Perth. The Dees now sit in 9th position, 1 point ahead of St Mirren in 10th, albeit having played 2 games more, and 6 points ahead of Kilmarnock in 11th. Should Dundee beat Dundee United this weekend, they would move only 3 points behind their city rivals. However, it will be far from easy based on their away form. The Dark Blues have only picked up 3 points on the road this campaign, 3 draws and 7 losses, which is the worst record of any team thus far. Both sides have only kept 3 clean sheets in 20 matches in the league so far, only Livingston have less with 1 in 19. In terms of goals scored in the league, Dundee United have found the net on 28 occasions, whilst Dundee have only found the net 18 times. Only St Mirren, who have scored 16, have scored fewer thus far. Jim Goodwin on Dundee United’s display against Livingston: “I’m delighted with the overall performance. “The result was the most important thing, but from start to finish we were pretty seamless. “Going in at half-time with just a one-goal advantage was disappointing given the dominance we had in the opening period. “This was the first time we’ve started really quickly and kept that performance going for 90 minutes. “That’s the bar that we have to set now. We have to follow that performance up with another really important performance on Saturday. “We know what Saturday means to the supporters.” Steven Pressley’s on Dundee’s win against Kilmarnock: “We played so well in the first half and went in 1-0 down. I said to them in the dressing room ‘there can be no hard luck stories tonight, we need to make sure we get what we deserve from the game’. They reacted brilliantly. “There’s been so much growth in them recently. We had a really good result against Falkirk and coming into this game, I stressed we hadn’t recorded back-to-back victories in 20 months. “We’re nowhere near where we need to be. We’re progressing, showing some positive signs, but football can change so quickly. But tonight was a really significant for us, a monkey off the back with the 20 months, and the players can take a great deal of confidence.”

January 2, 2026

Dundee United 1-1 Hibernian – The points shared in a very dramatic match

Dundee United welcome Hibernian to Tannadice in the Scottish Premiership in a game which has proven to be high scoring in recent times. The opening 15 didn’t offer much in terms of attempts but both sides looking very energetic and up for it but remains goalless. Hibs had the best chance after 17 minutes, a darting run by Nicky Cadden who unleashed a strike from outside the box which rattled side netting. The visitors continued to up the pressure with a cross in from the left by Nicky Cadden who whipped a ball in but missing all bodies in the box. Dundee United went ahead after 21 minutes. Ferry crossed the ball in from the corner as Watters flicked the ball into Stephenson who struck it home to put Jim Goodwin’s men ahead. Nicky Cadden again, running towards the box with an attempt from range firing over the bar. A horror mistake by Sallinger giving away the ball to Watters who was through but Scotland International, Grant Hanley with an amazing block to avoid a two-goal cushion for the hosts. Bowie nearly had Hibs level, following a short corner, Bowie turning and unleashing a strike which hit side netting after the travelling support celebrated thinking they were level. Boyle should’ve had Hibs level, a low cross into the box with Bowie failing to connect with Boyle at the back post but only finding side netting. Hibs were level as a volley from Boyle on the left hand side of the box firing into the bottom right hand corner to draw Hibernian back level. Hibs very close to going ahead as Cadden whipped a ball into the box after a corner which found Zack Mitchell who headed the ball onto the bar which was cleared by the United backline. Into the second half, Max Watters had a great chance, through on goal but a heavy touch resulting in Sallinger collecting. United were very close, Mulligan losing possession as Sibbald robs the ball and feeds it to Watters who takes the shot off first time but fires far into the stands. A very even second half but no major chances but there were signs of a winner coming as both sides were really giving it their all. Trapanovski had a brilliant chance, a pacey run into the box where he cut inside and his effort was brilliantly stopped by Sallinger. The North Macedonian international again cutting onto his right, firing an effort just wide of target. Trapanovski continued to cause problems, doing well to skip past the Hibees midfield where he than took on a shot but struck just wide of the net to keep the match all-square. Hibs chance arrived, a ball into the box which was defended which fell to Levitt but his attempt was wide and over in which was a very weak effort. Ferry with a ball in Sevelj had a chance from range but his shot was deflected and caught by Sallinger in goals. Dundee United: Richards (7), Strain (5), Sevelj (7), Graham (6), Sapsford (7), Ferry (6), Sibbald (8), Fatah (7), Stephenson (8), Keresztes (6), Watters (7). Substitutes: Moller (6), Trapanovski (8), Cleall-Harding (7), Dolcek (6), Esselink (6), Naamo (6). Hibernian: Sallinger (6), Hanley (9), Bowie (6), Boyle (8), Iredale (7), McGrath (6),N. Cadden (8), Mulligan (6), Barlaser (7), Mitchell, Megwa. Substitutes: Campbell (7), Levitt (6), Klidje (6), Hoilett (6), Youan (6).

December 20, 2025

Dundee United v Hibernian Match Preview

Dundee United host Hibernian in what promises to be an entertaining encounter. The last match between these 2 sides ended in a 3-3 draw. Jim Goodwin’s side found themselves 3-1 up after 48 minutes, but Hibs managed to rescue a penalty courtesy of goals from Kieron Bowie and a penalty from Jamie McGrath. Hibernian are unbeaten in their last 4 meetings against Dundee United, winning 2 and drawing 2, the last time the Dundee outfit won in this fixture was in October 2024, when Luca Stephenson and Meshack Ubochioma scored in second-half stoppage time to give United all 3 points. In continuation, there has been no less than 4 goals in the last 3 meetings between the 2 sides. The last encounter provided 6 six goals, the meeting in May provided 4 goals, with Hibernian winning 3-1, and the meeting between the sides in February also provided 4 goals, where Hibs also won 3-1. Both sides faced Old Firm opposition in their last encounter and picked up contrasting results. Dundee United came from a goal down to defeat Wilfried Nancy’s Celtic 2-1 at Tannadice. Before their win against the Champions, United were on a run of 7 games without a win, 3 losses and 4 draws. United are 4 points away from 6th and Hibernian in 5th. Hibernian lost 1-0 to Rangers at Ibrox, with Emmanuel Fernandez’ goal the difference between the sides. David Gray’s side have had a mixed start to their 2025/26 Premiership campaign, winning 6, drawing 6 and losing 5. As a result, the Edinburgh outfit sit in 5th place, 3 points off Motherwell in 4th and 5 points away from Rangers in 3rd. Jim Goodwin on his side’s win against Celtic: “It has been a long time since we beat Celtic in front of our own supporters, it was 2014 the last time, and that’s one for them. “We are not getting carried away. We are not happy with our league position, but that gives us a lot of confidence.” David Gray on his side’s defeat at Ibrox: “So, for all the control I felt we had, considering this was a difficult venue to come, Jack Butland didn’t really have a save to make, so it wasn’t as if we had chance after chance and I think that was down to a lack of decision making sometimes, and a lack of quality. “The final third let us down, we just lacked that little bit of cutting edge tonight and it wasn’t for getting into good areas, it was just the final bit and it probably summed up our night, to be honest.”

December 19, 2025

Dundee Utd 2-1 Celtic: Sapsford Magic Heaps Further Pressure on Nancy

Dundee United 2-1 Celtic Keresztes (58′) Sapsford (61′) Maeda (13′) A second-half capitulation at Tannadice saw Celtic fall to a spirited Dundee United comeback, leaving Wilfried Nancy winless after four games in charge. The visitors posed a constant threat in a frantic first half, clearly eager to banish their Cup final demons and secure a first win for Wilfried Nancy. The pressure began in the 4th minute when Luke McCowan released Daizen Maeda down the right. Yang Hyun-Jun stretched to meet the winger’s low cross at the back post, but he couldn’t direct his effort on target. Callum McGregor scooped a clever ball into Maeda’s path moments later, only for Johnny Kenny to fire his lobbed attempt over the bar. Celtic’s persistence paid off in the 12th minute. After capitalising on sloppy play by the hosts, Auston Trusty fed Kenny in front of the United defence. The striker quickly released the electric Maeda on the left side of the area, and after rounding Bert Esselink, his left-footed strike found the bottom corner of Dave Richards’ goal. It was Maeda’s fourth goal in six league matches, and it rewarded Celtic’s blistering start. Unlike their agonising defeat to St Mirren on Sunday, Nancy’s side played here with total conviction. Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United are now winless in seven league matches, and struggled to match Celtic’s relentless tenacity. The hosts offered little early on, with Amar Fatah’s wayward strike from the edge of the box their only half-chance in the opening 20 minutes. Celtic nearly doubled their lead in the 23rd minute when Kenny raced clear of the United defence. However, his hesitation in front of the goal allowed Esselink to recover and clear the danger. United finally settled after the half-hour mark and nearly found an equaliser. A long throw-in fell to Esselink on the edge of the area, Max Watters redirected his scuffed shot, but the on-loan Barnsley striker’s touch trickled narrowly wide. The reprieve was short-lived, as Celtic sliced through the United defence again moments later. Maeda continued to haunt Goodwin’s side, latching onto a Hatate through ball and firing a low cross into the path of Kenny. It looked easier to score than miss, but the Irishman scuffed his effort wide. It was another major let-off for the hosts; Celtic should have been out of sight. In a complete reversal of the first half, it was Dundee United who flew out of the blocks. Zac Sapsford’s right-footed strike was blocked early on after Luca Stephenson capitalised on slack play from the Celtic midfield. Kasper Schmeichel was forced into action in the 50th minute, staying alert to deny Sapsford’s low drive after the ball broke to the Australian in a congested penalty area. However, the equaliser finally arrived seven minutes later. Ross Graham did well to keep Ferry’s cross alive at the back post, allowing Krisztian Keresztes to provide a clinical finish across Schmeichel and into the far corner. The roof blew off Tannadice on the hour mark thanks to a moment of individual brilliance. For the second time in minutes, Celtic failed to clear the danger at the back post, and Sapsford whipped a vicious right-footed strike beyond the outstretched grasp of Schmeichel. It was the Australians’ fifth goal of the season, and triggered a chorus of “sack the board” chants from the frustrated travelling support. The sheer intensity of Goodwin’s side appeared to have startled Celtic. The home side eventually retreated into a defensive shape, desperate to protect their slender advantage. Wilfried Nancy turned to his bench, handing a rare opportunity to Shin Yamada, who blazed wide of Dave Richards’ goal in the 75th minute. It was a golden chance for the Japanese striker, who should have carried the ball closer to Richards’ goal. Celtic’s best opportunity to level came in the 82nd minute. James Forrest flashed a teasing cross into the six-yard box for Maeda, but from only a yard out, the winger could only steer his header off the post. Nancy’s side continued to huff and puff, but were unable to cut into United’s lead. Benjamin Nygren’s free kick was off target in additional time, for their final opportunity of the match. The defeat leaves the Scottish Champions six points behind league leaders Hearts, but they still have one game in hand over their rivals. Dundee United’s first win in eight matches leaves them in 8th place, and they host Hibernian on Saturday afternoon. Dundee United: Richards 8 Keresztes 8 Graham 9 Esselink 8 Strain 7 Stephenson 7 Sibbald 7 Ferry 8 Sapsford 8 Watters 6 Fatah 7 Substitutes: Sevelj 7 Moller 7 Dolcek 7 Celtic: Schmeichel 5 Ralston 5 Trusty 5 Tierney 5 McCowan 6 McGregor 6 Hatate 6 Yang 4 Bernardo 5 Maeda 6 Kenny 3 Substitutes: Engels 4 Yamada 3 Forrest 4 Scales 4 Nygren 4

December 17, 2025

Dundee United 0-0 Motherwell – A goalless draw at Tannadice as both sides struggled in the final third

Out-of-form Dundee United host in-form Motherwell with the hosts in eager need of victory as pressure begins to mount on Jim Goodwin. Motherwell had the first chance, Stephen O’Donnell with a ball where Callum Hendry heads it straight at David Richards. A simple stop for Richards. Stephen Welsh was forced off after 17 minutes through concussion following a coming together with Elliot Watt. Liam Gordon coming on to replace the on-loan Celtic man. Elliot Watt had a chance after 30 minutes from distance but a simple catch by Richards. A poor opening 30 by both sides as both really struggled to find any real chance with next to no clear cut chances. The hosts had a free-kick just outside the box where Ferry took a shot on but firing right at the Motherwell wall keeping the game goalless. Dundee United had penalty claims where Max Watters went around the keeper in which was taken down by Ward but the referee was having none of it. Watt had a late strike from distance but his effort fires well into the stands which sums up the match so far. Sapsford had the best chance, on the right hand side, cutting in and unleashing a weak strike which was stopped by Callum Ward in the Motherwell goals. Maswanhise had a chance of his own, a strike from the edge of the box which was a simple stop for David Richards. HT Dundee United 0-0 Motherwell – A very poor half of football with no clear-cut chances. There was the odd chance but no keeper being forced into any difficulty as the game was without a goal going into the break. Fatah had an early chance in the second half, a strike inside the box which was deflected with Ward catching the ball safely to keep the game on level terms. Fatah again but this time a darting run towards the box with an low-driven attempt unleashed from the edge of the box fired marginally wide of goal. Fateh had yet another chance, Ferry with a ball onto the edge of the box where Fateh’s strike went over and wide which looked to have been deflected but no corner was awarded. Elijah Just had a great strike from just outside the box but a solid block the Iovu resulted in a corner kick. Signs were showing of a goal coming soon. Slattery this time was very close. A brilliant turn on the ball by the midfielder with his strike firing just wide of goal. A lot better by both sides. Sibbald had a wonderful and ambitious attempt. A strike from the half way line as Ward appeared miles out but his attempt going just wide of target. After 75 minutes, Stamatelopoulos was through on goal where he took on a strike which flew wide of goal. Slattery had a huge chance to put his side, just yards out but fired over the top as it looks to edge towards a goalless draw at Tannadice. Said should’ve had the visitors, an attempt inside the box just firing wide of target as both teams look to try and break the deadlock. FT Dundee United 0-0 Dundee United: Richards 6, Strain 6, Esselink 6 , Iouvu 6, Graham 7, Sapsford 6, Ferry 7, Sibbald 6, Fatah8 , Stephenson7 , Watters 6. Subsitutes: Moller 6, Dolcek 6 , Sevelj 6. Motherwell: Ward 7, O’Donnell 6, Slattery 7, Fadinger 6, McGinn 6, Maswanhise 6, Watt 7, Just6 , Koutroumbis 6, Welsh 5, Hendry 5. Subsitutes: Gordon 6, Said 6, Stamatelopoulos 6, Longelo 6, Charles-Cook 6.

December 13, 2025

Dundee United v Motherwell – Match Preview

Dundee United welcome in-form Motherwell to the City Of Discovery as Jim Goodwin aims to get back to winning ways. The last time the two sides clashed was at Fir Park as the Steelmen ran away 2-0 winners in October with goals from Maswanhise and Elliot Watt for Motherwell. The Steelmen have won in four of their last five outings in this meeting with Jim Goodwin’s side last win in this tie coming back in February in a 1-0 victory where Sam Dalby netted the only goal of the game. Since their fourth place finish last season, it hasn’t been all the same for the Tangerines. Dundee United sit 8th after a poor start to their Scottish Premiership campaign. The hosts for Saturday haven’t been able to pick up any win in their last six fixtures with their last win being in a 3-1 win over St Mirren back in October. Jim Goodwin’s side have won once in the last 10 as well as 5 draws and 4 defeats. Motherwell have had the exact opposite as the Steelmen are on fine form this season. Motherwell sit third, just six points off of Celtic in second place. The hosts of course haven’t won in six whereas Motherwell, they haven’t been defeated in six with their last loss being their 4-1defeat at Hampden Park to St Mirren in the Scottish League Cup Semi-finals. Since then, the Fir Park outfit have certainly kicked on and become strong prospects of giving the top four a tough battle. Despite the poor form, Jim Goodwin’s men haven’t been shy of a goal, scoring four goals in five for the Tannadice side. Their defensive side have shown to be fragile with no clean sheets in their last 10 outings. Motherwell have been on good form in front of goal, scoring eight times in their last five matches. The Steelmen have been awarded the most league penalties this campaign, being given a spot-kick on six occasions. Motherwell star-man, Maswanhise, has been a standout this season, netting eight times so far this season where the attacker is currently the league’s top goal scorer. Pairing Max Watters and Julius Esekesen both return to the side while Keresztes will be out through suspension. Dario Naamo and Pan Camara sit out with a hamstring injury as well as Pappoe and Kucherenko also remain out. For Motherwell, Andy Halliday isn’t quite ready for action yet with Stuparevic, Oxborough, Nicholson, Robinson, McGhee and Sule all remaining absent. While speaking about the game, Goodwin described Motherwell as “the most in-form team in the league”. “It’s only natural when you’re on the type of run that we’re on that your confidence is going to take a bit of a hit,” Jim Goodwin said. “But we believe in what we’re doing. We are going through, probably, the toughest period that I’ve experienced during my time as United manager. “Football is not a bed of roses all the time, you’ve got to find a way to get through these difficult periods.” “It’s quite a remarkable transformation and he deserves a huge amount of credit,” the Tannadice boss quoted. “Given results, and where Motherwell are sitting in the table, I imagine there’s people all over Europe taking notice. “Motherwell are the most in-form team in the league. The new manager has been incredible in terms of their playing style and they’re as difficult an opponent as you can face at this moment in time. “But we have to believe we’re capable of winning the game. We didn’t do ourselves justice at Fir Park, the second half was a lot better from us, so we have to make sure we start this game the way we did in the second 45 over there.” Jens Berthel Askou believes it’s “extremely satisfying” seeing how his side plays in his style. “In general it’s been pleasing that players that some would have maybe written off and said, ‘no, that type of football is not for him’, that they have managed to actually be really, really good and strong players in what we’re doing,” Askou said. “That has been extremely fulfilling and satisfying for them as individuals, but especially for us as a club and as a group, that a lot of the players who were already here have been thriving in this, which means we don’t have five, six, seven players that have been left behind by the development. “There’s always one or two that might be caught on the wrong side of the competition, who need to move on when the next window of opportunity comes, and then we’ll see. “But it’s very, very few, and it’s not like we have players who have not done well. When they have played or when they are in training, they all look comfortable and really good, and I think that has been extremely satisfying.” Motherwell are now unbeaten in eight Premiership games and sit third before Saturday’s trip to face Dundee United. The Steelmen boss said: “The key thing is not to dwell on that and think we’re fantastic because we’ve had a good run. “It’s going to be harder and harder to win games the more you win, and we also know that the team we are playing on Saturday is a very good team who have not had the results that I think they’re worth as a group.”

December 12, 2025

Dundee United