New Hearts boss Wouter Vrancken secured in his first in charge of Hearts as his side dismantled Dundee United 4-0 at Tynecastle Park.
It was a fast start at Tynecastle as Hearts midfielder Tom Renaud beat Jack Walton with an excellent strike from range in the opening minutes to score his second goal in as many games.
Hearts continued to apply pressure in the opening 10 minutes as Claudio Braga went close. They then had a penalty appeal as Jamie McCart looked to be fouled in the box. Referee Kevin Clancy pointed to the spot after going to the monitor and Calvin Miller had no issue converting from the spot to put Hearts two goals up within 12 minutes.
Following Miller’s goal, Dundee United would slightly grow into the game, but faced issues breaking down Hearts’ defence.
United’s first chance of the afternoon fell to Lachlan Rose in the 25th minute, but his header was deflected wide for a corner. The ball fell perfectly to United captain Dylan Tait on the edge of the box moments later, but his shot was also blocked.
Hearts went close to adding a third on the half-hour mark as Amadou Ba-Sy forced Walton to save from distance. Hearts retained possession as Braga struck the post. Tom Renaud was first to pounce on the loose ball, but failed to convert the rebound. United would go up the park, but Rose’s headed effort was once again deflected for a corner.
Rose was pulled up for a foul on Sabah Kertoja short before half-time, going Ba-Sy and Daniel Bennie in the referee’s book.
United were straight out the traps in the second half as substitute Zac Sapsford carried the ball forward, he laid the ball off for Australian compatriot Rose, but his tame effort was blocked.
United continued their early second half pressure as the fans appealed for a penalty but VAR did not award a spot-kick. Moments later Hearts had their third as Claudio Braga cooly finished into the bottom corner. Three nearly became four as Kertoja drifted past Will Ferry in the box, but his one-on-one was brilliantly saved by Walton.
Josh McPake netted Hearts’ fourth after playing a one-two with Braga, the winger then displayed an excellent first-time finish to Walton’s far post. He joined Calvin Miller in netting his first Hearts goal this afternoon.
Hearts didn’t let United off the hook in th quest for a fifth as Braga’s close range effort was saved by Walton 15 minutes from time.
United went close to a consolation goal in the closing stages, but Idjessi Metsoko failed to latch onto Sapsford’s cross at the back post. Jim Goodwin’s side proceed to have a handful of half chances, but none bothered Beau Reus in the Hearts net.
Hearts will look to carry this form on Thursday night as they host Benfica in the Europa League third round qualifier, where the currently trail 6-1. As for United, it’s an afternoon to forget in the capital and it’s no small task up next as they host Celtic in the League Cup on Saturday.
Hearts: Reus, Altena (Borchgrevink 73′), McEntee, McCart, Miller, Spittal, Renaud (Magnusson 64′), Kertoja, Braga (Wilson 83′), McPake (Mato 73′), Ba-Sy (Kabore 64′)
Unused substitues: Fulton, Guendouz, Kayson-Kamara, Mendy, Wilson
Dundee United: Walton, Rawlins, Esselink, Forbes, Ferry, Sevelj (Camara 73′), Tait, Agyei (Sapsford 46′), Randall (Farrugia 73′), Rose (Metsoko 60′), Bennie (Merghem 60′)
Unused substitues: Eskesen, Graham, Iovu, Amissah