Dundee United

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Dundee United's past two games have summed their season up – a 4-2 away defeat to Rangers followed by a 3-2 home win over bottom club Livingston.

They are a team who fare reasonably well on the attacking front, but have struggled to keep the door shut at the back. That assessment is reinforced by the stats.

Jim Goodwin's side have netted 45 times in the league this season – that places them sixth (alongside Falkirk) in terms of goals scored. But it has been a different story on the defensive front where they have conceded 54 times, with only Kilmarnock and Livingston shipping more goals.

And they are second bottom of the pile (with Dundee) when it comes to clean sheets having mustered just five shutouts – only relegation-haunted Livi have fared worse.

Given all of that it is perhaps unsurprising they find themselves drifting towards the end of the campaign in Premiership no-man's land.

United are seventh in the table, seven points above eighth-placed Aberdeen and more importantly a hefty 12 clear of Kilmarnock, who occupy the relegation play-off spot.

Being top of the bottom six, and safe from relegation, will be little consolation for a team that were looking to build on last season's impressive fourth-place finish.

Goodwin will undoubtedly now be firmly focused on building for next term, where finding that balance between front and back in his team will be the big conundrum he has to solve.

Dundee United will activate one-year contract extensions for centre-half Ross Graham and utility defender Vicko Sevelj, but injury concerns make extending the stays of winger Kristijan Trapanovski and full-back Ryan Strain less likely. (The Courier), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Paul McNicoll
Fan writer

If the rumour mill is to be believed and, more convincingly, what we all saw with our own eyes on Saturday, it looks like we may have already witnessed the final appearances of two of our standout players this season.

Both Luca Stephenson and Amar Fatah, our on-loan star men, seem set to miss the run-in, with 17 May shaping up to be a grateful goodbye rather than just another fixture.

Let's start with Luca. Arriving at Tannadice on loan from Liverpool at the beginning of last season, he didn't take long to show exactly what he was about.

Calm, reliable and capable of playing just about anywhere you asked him to, he quickly became one of the first names on the teamsheet. His performances over the season quite rightly earned him United's young player of the year award.

Getting him back for another loan spell this season felt like a minor miracle, football's version of finding a tenner in an old jacket. And once again, he has delivered without fuss or fanfare.

Wherever he's been asked to play, he's done it well, and then just quietly got on with it again the following week.

What happens next for the 22-year-old at Liverpool is anyone's guess, but he has more than shown the ability to make a serious impact at a high level. In short: thank you, Luca, it's been a pleasure.

Now, Fatah. He arrived with a bit more noise around him and a price tag in his recent past to match. Still only 21, already the subject of a £4.5m move to Troyes, and even a trial with Manchester City in 2024, there was every reason for excitement.

It's fair to say he didn't explode out of the blocks. There were moments early on where you could see the quality, but it came in flashes rather than full performances.

But as the weeks went by, those flashes turned into something much more consistent and much more dangerous.

By the business end of the season, Amar had become the spark. The creator. The player you look to when something needs to happen. The kind of player who gets fans out of their seats and occasionally has defenders questioning their life choices.

It hasn't all been smooth, of course. The missed penalty against Rapid Vienna and that red card against Hearts in January were tough moments.

But to his credit, he has responded exactly how you'd hope, by bouncing back stronger each time. Those experiences haven't held him back, they've sharpened him, perhaps even matured him.

Which made Saturday all the more difficult to watch. A loose pass, an awkward moment, and suddenly he's down on the less-than-pristine Tannadice pitch.

As he lay there, the thought crept in this might be the last time we see him in a United shirt. If that is the case, it's a cruel end, for him and the fans.

Still, football always leaves a little room for hope. There have been whispers about bringing Amar back on loan next season.

While the club would jump at the chance, it's hard not to think he may have bigger opportunities knocking. He looks destined for the next level.

Whether this is goodbye or just "see you later", both Amar and Luca can leave Tannadice with their heads held high. They've given everything, made their mark, and left supporters with plenty of good memories.

Paul McNicoll can be found at the Dode Fox Podcast, external

Sportscene pundit Steven Naismith says Livingston defender Brooklyn Kabongolo took an unnecessary risk to concede the penalty which cost his team a point at Dundee United on Saturday.

Marvin Bartley's team were on course to win their first league game since August when Lewis Smith's double put them 2-1 up at Tannadice.

But Krisztias Keresztes equalised and Kabongolo then fouled Zac Sapsford, who converted the resulting penalty.

"When you're not in a great position, you can't take a risk and that's what he's done," former Scotland forward Naismith said. "Sapsford gets in, keeps it in play and it was a comfortable finish."

Naismith also praised head coach Jim Goodwin, despite United missing out on a top-half finish this season.

"Where they have been and the job Jim Goodwin has done, it's progression," he said. "They are building and when you take a step back, they are safe and can build for next season."

Although Livingston seem destined to be relegated this term, Naismith thinks Marvin Bartley has likely earned the chance to manage them in the Championship next season,

"Marvin Bartley has put his own stamp on it and he should keep his job and build if they go down," he said."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

Kelle Roos (Kilmarnock): Not the finest all-round performance but came up clutch deep into stoppage time to deny Dundee from the spot and save a potentially priceless point for Killie.

Alexander Jensen (Aberdeen): Pushed back a little bit but impressed at wing-back against Hibernian. Tanked up and down the touchline and coped well when Hibs were trying to put him under pressure.

Krisztian Keresztes (Dundee United): Admittedly, not the finest weekend for defenders, but the substitute hauled United level with an important header to allow them to push on for a late win against Livingston.

Will Ferry (Dundee United): And here's the man who set him up. Ferry also opened the scoring with a superb solo goal at Tannadice.

Hyun-jun Yang (Celtic): Few in green and white impressed in a narrow win over St Mirren at Celtic Park, but the South Korean showed up again.

Nicolas Raskin (Rangers): For his second-half showing at Falkirk. The Belgium international was like a man possessed after the break with an abundance of fight, quality and creativity on show. Displayed his very best as Rangers ripped Falkirk apart in a bonkers second 45.

Beni Baningime (Hearts): Back alongside Cammy Devlin in the engine room and back pulling the strings for Hearts. A classy performance - again - in the crucial win over Motherwell.

Emmanuel Gyamfi (Aberdeen): Outside his needless incident with Hibs striker Owen Elding, for which he was shown a yellow card after a VAR review, the wide man was Aberdeen's biggest threat in one of his better performances for the Dons. Hooked balls in at every chance he could, something Stephen Robinson will be desperate to see more of.

Sabah Kerjota (Hearts): Came on in the 66th minute and immediately became Hearts' set-piece taker, whipping in inviting deliveries - including one that led to the second goal. His cameo performances have impressed to the point there is clamour for him to start the upcoming Edinburgh derby over Alexandros Kyziridis.

Kevin Nisbet (Aberdeen): The man grateful for those deliveries from Gyamfi. Kept his cool from the spot against his former side before smashing the much-needed second over the line... just. Big, big goals and an equally impressive all-round performance.

Lewis Smith (Livingston): Doing all he can to keep Livingston in the league, chipping in with another two goals. Even if the Lions are relegated, which is increasingly likely, Smith should remain in the top flight. One wouldn't think he'd be short of suitors.

Watch all five goals in United's win against Livi.

Image source, SNS

United boss Jim Goodwin admitted he thought his players were in the driving seat against Livingston thanks to Will Ferry's opener.

However, after Lewis Smith's quickfire double, the United manager was delighted to see his side equalise through Krisztian Keresztes before Zac Sapsford secured all three points with a stoppage-time penalty.

Goodwin said: "In the first half I thought we were quite comfortable, scored a really good goal – Will Ferry doing what he does best, being positive in the one vs one and producing a great finish into the bottom-right corner with his weaker right foot.

"We were all quite relaxed at half-time. I didn't think Livingston offered a great deal in the first half.

"I never envisaged the start to the second half coming. We gave away two really, really poor goals. The first one, we gift the ball to the Livingston attacker.

"For the second one, we highlighted before the game the quality that the Livingston goalkeeper has with that volley out of his hands. He puts a really good ball into a good area.

"It's then a foot race between Smith and Ross Graham, and young Lewis Smith has scored goals like that all season.

"We gave ourselves a mountain to climb. We tried to change it up then and get a bit of fresh legs on there. I thought the substitutes were positive.

"We scored a good set play and then, in the dying moments, Zac Sapsford gets the penalty."

We asked for your views on Dundee United's 3-2 win against Livingston.

Here's what some of you said:

Ally: On the balance of play we deserved the win, but clear as day that defence requires major surgery in the summer after losing two goals in that manner. There's only one or two teams who'd let us off with it. Would be a very sad end to the season for Amar Fatah if his injury is what it looked like.

Gordon: A bizarre game, United were on top, playing some decent stuff in the first half and benefiting from a superb Will Ferry strike with his right foot.

Then the second half began with United still on top. Then, as the song goes, it fell apart. Some awful defending from United and in three minutes we are 2-1 down. Jim Goodwin changes 'everything' and we get back in the game from a corner and then a last-second penalty. That's United's season, we can't defend well enough but there's always drama.

Patricia: It was really good to see United winning again. Three points are always welcome. I expected them to come out in the second half and score more goals, as they appeared to be enjoying themselves in the first, but it was a different United which emerged from the dugout.

They were disorganised and sloppy and inevitably paid the price. Iurie Iovu should have been substituted much earlier. It was apparent that his head injury was making him reluctant to head the ball which he usually does with alacrity. Thankfully Krisztian Keresztes came on eventually, and managed to get the equaliser, courtesy of Ferry's cross and Zac Sapsford made no mistake with the penalty. Job done.

Ross: Soft, easy, stupid. Same defensive mistakes. The manager talks of character. Show some when you're dominating the first half and take your chances. Show some when you come out in the second half and stay disciplined. But no, the United way this season is to press the panic button at the first opportunity. Fight back maybe. Lucky definitely. But scoring a 93rd minute penalty to win is character.

Kenny: We were the better team and deserved the win. Ferry and Sapsford put in a great shift. Some of the team looked like their minds were on their holidays. To be honest, I just want this season to be over. Rapid Vienna seems a long time ago.

Zac Sapsford's stoppage-time penalty sealed an unlikely comeback victory for Dundee United to deny Livingston a first Scottish Premiership win since August and edge their apparently inevitable relegation even closer.

Read the full match report here.

Have your say on the match here.

Image source, SNS

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin told BBC Scotland: "I think we probably stole the points in the end.

"First half , we were relatively comfortable and Livingston didn't really carry any threat. We were on top in the game and had one or two half-chances and Will Ferry scores a really good goal.

"I was relaxed and didn't see the start to the second half coming. Two really poor goals from our point of view.

"We gave ourselves a mountain to climb. Credit to the players, I suppose, they showed character in the dying moments to get the equaliser and then a rash tackle allows Zac Sapsford to win it with the last kick of the ball.

"The character is the main thing I'm pleased with but I'm really frustrated with the goals we've conceded. It's happened far too many times this season. I sound like a broken record because I seem to talk about it every week.

"We know that's a weakness and an area we need to strengthen in the summer. But going forwards we carry an attacking threat.

"It wasn't pretty but five goals entertains the fans, it's three points and we remain in seventh."

Image source, SNS

Dundee United are without goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer, winger Kristijan Trapanovski and midfielder Isaac Pappoe for the rest of the season.

Defender Brooklyn Kabongolo returns from suspension for Livingston while midfielder Macaulay Tait is available again after being unable to face parent club Hearts.

Forward Connor McLennan is still out, but midfielder Aidan Denholm is on the mend after a long-term hamstring injury.

Image source, SNS

Manager Jim Goodwin is hopeful Dundee United can use the summer transfer window to fix the issues that led to their bottom six finish.

Goodwin says it was a "real disappointment" to have their bottom half status confirmed last week, particularly given expectations where high when they finished fourth last season.

And he insists the Tannadice club know where they went wrong this term and will look to tackle that between now and the end of the current campaign, but also during the summer window.

"It is a major frustration and a real disappointment for myself," the 44-year-old said.

"It wasn't what we set out for at the beginning of the campaign. Last season, finishing fourth, the level of expectation around the club raises with that.

"We always knew it would be difficult to emulate that but to not get into the top six is a real disappointment.

"We know where we went wrong, we've conceded far too many goals and it's something we'll look to fix between now and the end of the season but also in our summer recruitment."

Before their post-split campaign begins, United are at home to bottom side Livingston who have only won one game this season.

Marvin Bartley's side could find themselves 14 points adrift of 11th if they lose on Saturday but Goodwin knows Livi will still feel they can claw back the gap.

"They are fighting for their lives," he added.

"I still think they'll believe they've got enough in the group to close the gap on Kilmarnock above them. The last half a dozen games they've only lost one of them, albeit there's five draws but they've come very close in a few and have probably been unlucky not to win in some of those."

Image source, SNS

Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin has been awarded the Scottish Premiership manager of the month award for the first time in his career.

Goodwin received the accolade for going unbeaten throughout March, winning against St Mirren and Celtic either side of a derby draw at Dundee.

The Tannadice side started April with a 4-2 defeat at Rangers, confirming they will end the season in the bottom six.

United now look safe from relegation trouble, with the team currently in seventh place and 10 points above Kilmarnock in 11th.

And Goodwin says the target is to "finish the season as strongly as possible with six wins from our remaining games, before we turn our attention to the exciting new season ahead".

"I'm delighted to accept this award - but I do so on behalf of my backroom team and the rest of our terrific staff," the United boss added.

"They work tirelessly behind the scenes on a daily basis, all for the betterment of Dundee United. Their efforts deserve as much recognition as my own when accolades such as these are handed out.

"Hopefully, our results in the league throughout March have helped restore some enthusiasm among our loyal fanbase.

"I'm glad we could bring them a couple of really positive performances to enjoy after a difficult period following the turn of the year."

Image source, SNS

• Dundee United and Livingston have dropped the joint-most points from winning positions in the Scottish Premiership this season, with 22 each. Dundee United, though, are joint-leaders for points gained from a losing position (13, level with Celtic).

• Livingston have 16 points from 32 league games this season; the only side to have 16 or fewer after 33 games when the division splits in the Scottish top flight under its current format (since 2000-01) were Livingston themselves in 2005-06 (15).

• Dundee United have won both of their last two home league games, and could win three in a row in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since October 2021.

• After their 3-1 defeat in December, Livingston could lose back-to-back top-flight meetings with Dundee United for the first time since February 2005.

• Dundee United have won both of their last two Scottish Premiership games against newly promoted opponents, last winning three in a row in January 2015.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Amid what has turned into a rather frustrating season for Dundee United, there is no doubt that Amar Fatah has been one of their real shining lights - arguably the brightest.

It is fair to say the 22-year-old Swede wasn't a household name on these shores when he arrived on a season-long loan from the French side Troyes last summer.

But his stock and status here have steadily risen after a string of composed, cultured and impactful performances for United.

He has netted nine goals this term, the latest coming in a 4-2 defeat at Rangers last time out, but the goals only tell part of the story, with his performances catching the eye throughout the season.

We shouldn't be too surprised. The fact that Troyes signed him for £4.3m from Swedish side AIK four years ago - a sizeable investment for what was then a raw 17-year-old - is an illustration of the quality he possesses.

So what happens now?

United would dearly love to keep the Sweden Under-21 international at Tannadice beyond the end of his loan.

However, such has been the consistent level of his performances over the course of this season that it is likely to be easier said than done.

Fatah isn't United's player - and there is no doubt there will be plenty of potential suitors, with much deeper pockets, who may be ready to move for the player in the summer.

Image source, SNS

Former Scotland left-back Barry Douglas has officially announced he is retiring from "the playing side of the beautiful game", stressing his "immense pride" after a career during which he won league titles in England and Poland.

The 36-year-old has been without a club since leaving St Johnstone following their relegation from the Scottish Premiership last summer.

But, before then, he had twice won the Ekstraklasa, and the Polish Super Cup, with Lech Poznań, the Turkish Cup with Konyaspor and the Championship in England with both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United.

"In my wildest dreams, I never thought I'd make it as a professional footballer - never mind win multiple titles in different countries and go on to play almost 500 games," Douglas said on Instagram., external

"Now that I'm finally 'hanging up the boots', I can look back with immense pride, knowing I gave it everything I had."

In a time when the Scotland left-back spot was dominated by Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney, Douglas managed just one cap, as a substitute for the former in a 1-0 win over Hungary in 2018.

"Every kid grows up dreaming of playing for their country - so to have made that a reality is something I'll always be incredibly proud of," he said.

Having started his career with Queen's Park, Douglas moved to Dundee United, Lech, Konyaspor, Wolves, Leeds and, after a loan to Blackburn Rovers, returned for a second title-winning spell with Lech before his final season with St Johnstone.

Douglas paid special tribute to his wife, Debbie, saying his globetrotting career was "as much yours as it is mine".

"The truth is, without you by my side, I would never have achieved what I have," he added.

"I'm forever grateful for your support, your sacrifices, and for taking that leap into the unknown when we first moved to Poland together to begin our adventure.

"Now look at us - two beautiful kids, multiple winners' medals and memories that will last a lifetime."

Dundee United midfielder Pan Camara has vowed to do his best to persuade his friend, Amar Fatah, to extend his stay at Tannadice at the end of the 22-year-old winger's loan from Troyes but suggests he is good enough to move to the Premier League. (The Courier), external

James Tavernier looks more likely to leave Rangers this summer with talks with the their 34-year-old captain about a new contract having stalled while pursuing their interest in taking 22-year-old Liverpool wide man Luca Stephenson, currently with Dundee United, on loan. (Football Insider), external

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin fears Ashley Maynard-Brewer's season could be over amid concerns that the 26-year-old goalkeeper may require surgery for a dislocated shoulder. (The Courier), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

Paul said it last week. Go to Ibrox, make it awkward, ask a few questions and maybe even ruin a few weekends in Glasgow.

For long spells, Dundee United did exactly that.

This was not a 4-2 game and that is the frustration. United competed. United carried a threat. United had moments, but as has happened far too often this season, the difference was in the boxes.

Rangers needed very little encouragement, and United gave them plenty.

The opener summed it up.

A routine save turned into a gift, and suddenly the game changes.

Then another lapse leads to another goal, and just like that, you are chasing a game you had been well in.

To their credit, United responded. Amar Fatah was outstanding again. A goal, energy, quality and at 2-1 it felt like there was something there.

But again, the same pattern - Poor defending, a lack of awareness and a game slipping away in a matter of minutes. It has been the story all season, and it ultimately cost United a place in the top six.

Paul spoke about confidence and momentum. We have seen both in flashes. The win over Celtic showed what this team can be. This showed why we are where we are.

Too many mistakes.

Too many soft goals.

Too many "what if" moments.

Now the focus is as simple as finishing the best of the rest.

There is a good team in there, but it hasn't shown it often enough.

Ronny Costello can be found at the Dode Fox Podcast, external

Watch all the goals in Rangers clash against Dundee United.