Aberdeen's Kevin Nisbet missed an open goal and Dundee United's Panutche Camara struck the post as both sides failed to significantly boost their Scottish Premiership top-six hopes in a goalless draw.

The stalemate highlighted the problems both have had in building any momentum toward the end of the season and a point was of little value to either, with sixth-placed Falkirk nine points clear of United and 10 above the Dons.

Aberdeen were bright early on, on the front foot and threatening when Graeme Shinnie tested Ashley Maynard-Brewer with a smartly-struck shot.

The hosts had their best effort when a corner was cleared to the edge of the box. Camara's first-time volley had Per Kristian Bratveit beaten only for the post to rattle.

The visitors had an excellent opportunity to take the lead after the break. Toyosi Olusanya, who had been a willing runner for a number of direct balls, got in behind and brushed off the attentions of Iurie Iovu before touching the ball left for the onrushing Kevin Nisbet.

The in-form striker just had to get his shot on target but poked the ball wide of the gaping goal.

Substitutions failed to produce the moment of quality needed to separate the sides, though Ivan Dolcek and Emmanuel Agyei threatened for United, and the final whistle left both to reflect on a missed opportunity.

Before kick-off, Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin had bemoaned the number of draws his side had this season, saying that turning three or four into wins would have transformed their position.

Sharing the points for a 12th time in 27 league outings would not have improved his mood with a lack of real goal threat to blame against Aberdeen.

Zac Sapsford returned to the forward line but he made way for Max Watters after an hour and neither had any real service to speak of.

United's best chance was a strike from outside the box and other attempts on target were blocked efforts in the box after set pieces.

Goodwin will not give up on the top six while it's arithmetically possible, though games are running out. A strong showing in the six remaining pre-split fixtures and Scottish Cup rests on being more creative and threatening.

Aberdeen's interim manager Peter Leven will reflect on his side having the better of the chances but failing to take them.

Nisbet has scored five goals in 2026, including two at the weekend, but he missed the best opportunity and he and Olusanya both seemed hurried when cooler heads were required to get at the United defence.

The Dons, who like United have a game in hand over Falkirk, seem to be drifting without a permanent manager and the league season looks to be heading for an underwhelming finish.

Defence of the Scottish Cup might bring more focus but the Tannadice performance seemed like the sign of a club in a holding pattern.

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "We knew the game was always going to be difficult given the way the pitch is at the moment. I don't think it suits either team and I've got to give credit to the players for the way that they approached the game.

"Can't have any arguments about the scoreline. I was really pleased with what the players gave in terms of resilience and commitment. The defence has been a wee bit fragile of late and they get the clean sheet, which will give the back line a bit of confidence."

Aberdeen interim manager Peter Leven: "Tough game, tough conditions. It was a good battling point. I don't think the pitch helped. I saw a lot of fight from my team. I can't fault the players.

"We went for the win and we had chances. [Kevin Nisbet is] on form and went with the laces instead of the in-step. But the boys' attitude second half was really good and we took the game to them."

Dundee United visit high-fliyng Motherwell on Saturday (15:00 GMT) while Aberdeen are away to leaders Hearts at the same time.