Dundee United

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Tayside and the north east of Scotland have been absolutely battered by the weather for what seems like an eternity.

I am well placed to comment living in Aberdeen - a city that has been on the wrong end of the elements for several months now.

So it has come as no surprise to me that tonight's Dundee United v Aberdeen game has been postponed.

Yes, we can talk about drainage measures, but is the harsh reality not simply the fact pitches can only withstand so much before they simply can't cope?

Both teams are now facing pretty hectic schedules as they play catch-up in terms of fixtures.

United's Scottish Cup tie at Tannadice with Spartans last Saturday was called off and has been rearranged for next week.

Having also seen a league visit of St Mirren fall foul of the weather recently, they now have two league games to fit in over the coming weeks.

From a purely football point of view, the United squad will be tested as the games – eventually – come thick and fast.

Consistency has been a problem for Jim Goodwin's squad this term. But perhaps the enforced break could actually be a good thing in that United should certainly be fresh as they bid to finally put a string of positive results together.

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Rarely, in a 3-0 defeat, is your goalkeeper also your best player. Yet in Dundee United's recent loss to Hearts, that may well have been the case.

Factor in that Ashley Maynard-Brewer was making his debut, and hadn't played a game since August, and the story becomes more surprising.

"When I spoke to the manager and the goalie coach [Paul Mathers], the intention was to come here and play – it was a show of faith from the manager for me to come straight into that Hearts game," Maynard-Brewer said.

"It's definitely been an eventful few weeks, but I think it's helped just coming straight into games and being part of the team.

"I wanted my debut to be a positive result and a positive performance, but we found ourselves two goals down with 10 men quite early on and that was pretty tough."

The Australian, who previously featured in the Premiership while on loan at Ross County, arrived in January from Charlton on a six-month deal.

The 26-year-old was promoted to the Championship with the Addicks last year but found playing time almost impossible to come by in the first half of the campaign.

"But personally, after not playing for a while, it was just about controlling what I could control and looking at my performance," the keeper said. "Then the Hibs game was, I thought as a team, we performed really well.

"There were definitely some positives to take from that performance, it was just frustrating to concede two set-piece goals late on.

"The training standards have been really high and the performance at Hibs, I thought we definitely deserved something. A positive result against Aberdeen would just get us back on track."

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Dundee United are without the suspended Amar Fatah and Pan Camara but midfielder Emmanuel Agyei is in contention for a debut.

Vicko Sevelj (groin) remains out with long-term absentee Isaac Pappoe (knee).

Aberdeen defender Jack Milne is suspended but Gavin Molloy should be in the squad after recovering from a knee problem.

Afeez Aremu, Dennis Geiger and Tom McIntyre are still waiting to make their debuts. Mats Knoester (concussion), Kristers Tobers (knee) and Nick Suman (ankle) remain out.

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• Only Rangers have made more starting XI changes (77) and used more players (33) than Aberdeen (74 changes, 32 players) in the Scottish Premiership this season. Despite this, only two sides (Motherwell nine, Dundee United 10) have had fewer different scorers (excluding own goals) than the Dons (11).

• Dundee United are unbeaten in five Scottish Premiership meetings with Aberdeen (W3 D2), last going longer without a league defeat to them in November 1999 (seven).

• Aberdeen have lost six of their past seven league visits to Tannadice, including the latest three in a row, since a 3-1 win in March 2023. The Dons last lost four league games away to Dundee United in a row in November 2008.

• Dundee United have lost their past four league games, the longest ongoing run in this season's Premiership. They last lost five in a row in the top flight in May 2023.

• Aberdeen have won just one and lost six of their past eight league matches (D1), losing their latest five in a row away from home.

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For fans of Aberdeen, Dundee United, Falkirk, Motherwell, and St Mirren, the Scottish Cup draw went about as well as it could have done.

They all avoided the Old Firm at the quarter-final stage and, while games against Falkirk and Motherwell have been no easy feat this season, there is a real sense it could be anyone's year.

For fans of Rangers or Celtic, who face each other at Ibrox in the next round, a route to glory is also clear. Beat your biggest rivals in a one-off game, and you become favourites for the Cup.

"What I'm so excited about is the fact any Premiership team can win it," said Craig Telfer, podcast host and Stenhousemuir fan.

While his beloved Stenny side were beaten by their local rivals on Sunday night, he admitted: "Falkirk could actually see themselves winning. Aberdeen or Motherwell, whoever comes out that, can see themselves winning it.

"You've got a Celtic team that aren't particularly good, and while Rangers are getting better, they can be got at. This is wide open for any Premiership team to go and win it."

Dundee United have beaten Celtic this season, as have Motherwell, while St Mirren famously triumphed against them at Hampden in the League Cup final.

St Mirren and Motherwell have also taken points off Rangers, as have Falkirk and Dundee United.

It is only Aberdeen who have been beaten by the Old Firm at every opportunity, but memories of last year's Cup triumph over Celtic will spur them on.

"[As a non-Old Firm fan] you always want to see Rangers and Celtic drawing with each other as early as possible in the competition to knock them out," Telfer added.

"Once they're out, or it's just one of the Old Firm teams in there, every other team should be looking to win it."

Of course, Aberdeen and Motherwell are yet to meet after their fifth round tie was postponed, while Dundee United still have to avoid an upset against The Spartans.

And don't rule out Neil Lennon, who has won this competition eight times throughout his playing and managerial career, and his Dunfermline side.

• Craig Telfer was speaking on the Scottish Football Podcast, available here.

• St Mirren v Partick Thistle

• Falkirk v Dundee United or Spartans

• Rangers v Celtic

• Dunfermline Athletic v Aberdeen or Motherwell

All four last-eight ties are scheduled to be played on weekend of 7 March.

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin says "the Scottish Cup is massive now" as his side's chances of finishing in the Premiership top six are fading fast.

Eighth-place United's already-slim hopes took a further hit in midweek when they surrendered a late lead to lose 3-2 at Hibs.

That leaves Goodwin's side 11 points behind Falkirk in sixth with nine games until the split, although the Bairns have one match fewer left.

United host League 2 Spartans in the fifth round of the cup on Saturday and Goodwin said: "Had we won and Falkirk not, then we were right back in the hunt for the top six.

"Of course, mathematically it's still possible, but it's become extremely difficult now. We'll not stop trying. We'll keep fighting right to the end, but we need to win a considerable amount of the last nine games before the split.

"We are relying on other teams having horrendous runs, which doesn't look like it's going to happen.

"The Scottish Cup is massive now. We owe it to our supporters on Saturday to put on a performance, to keep a clean sheet, to score lots of goals and to make sure we get ourselves into the quarter-finals."

Spartans are top of League 2 and beat third-tier Inverness CT on penalties in the last round.

"We've got to pick ourselves up pretty quickly now because we've got a huge game coming up on Saturday," Goodwin added.

"That's no gimme. That's against a team that's flying high in their own league. They've got nothing to lose coming to Tannadice.

"My boys need to show a real bit of character, a bit of grit and a bit of determination to make sure we get the result we need to go and put our name in the hat for the quarter-final."

Set-pieces again proved Dundee United's "Achilles heel" as they succumbed to a late defeat at Hibs for a fourth straight league loss.

Leading 2-1 at Easter Road after 88 minutes, a Ross Graham own goal and Ante Suto header - both from Nicky Cadden free-kicks - left United crestfallen.

Former Tannadice midfielder Scott Allan said on Sportscene there was a "lot to like" about United's performance before their set-piece vulnerabilities again surfaced.

Little wonder Jim Goodwin described his side's defending in the late collapse as "pathetic".

To rub salt in the wounds, United have lost 18 points from winning positions this season - the most of any Premiership team - and their 15 goals conceded from set-pieces is lower than only bottom club Livingston's 21.

Also, United have scored a league-high four own goals - 10% of their total strikes conceded.

We asked for your thoughts after Dundee United conceded a stoppage time goal to lose 3-2 at Hibernian.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Ross: Defeat from the jaws of victory... again. A performance that deserved something yet gained nothing. Great to see the amazing effort the players put in, particularly in the second half but ultimately it got them nothing. The inability to defend a set-piece has cost United dear this season and cannot continue. The gaffer said as much in his post-match interview, but this may cost him the ultimate sacrifice. Fan fury awaits.

Richard: Relegation battle incoming, and something needs to change. Time for manager to go!

Robert: Surely the powers that be have to be really concerned about United's demise, and it's down to the manager. Unless something is done now we will be scrapping for survival as I can't see where our next league win will be. We're playing at a very poor standard and it's down to Jim Goodwin. Time's up.

Ian: We find new ways of losing games. Zero fight in this team. Opponents were there for beating and we manage to not even get a point. Destination relegation play-off.

George: Another three gifts to the opposition. We can't continue to give away goals like this, it's been the story of the season. Whether down to system or players can be argued but something has to change and fast. Maybe it's time for Jim to step up and admit the back three isn't working and at least try something different. Persist and the opposition know they can get at us and await our mistakes to get their goals.

Dave: Early on I felt Hibs would only score from a United mistake. Step forward Krisztian Keresztes right on cue! Going into the last five minutes you have to question the players' mentality to give away several free-kicks around our penalty area. Instead of having a dominant personality like Declan (don't mess with me) Gallagher in the middle of the defence we have Ross (I'll comb my hair differently) Graham as our captain no less. He is not up to the job and does not inspire any bite or aggression.

Watch all the highlights as Hibs scored a late winner to beat Dundee United 3-2 in the Scottish Premiership. (Available to UK users only)

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "It's a cruel game at times - but we get what we deserve in the end because we don't defend our box properly. It's been the story of the season pretty much.

"Tonight is the seventh or eighth time we've been in leading positions and thrown away points. It's five or six times we've conceded three goals. We can't have a defensive record like that and be succesful.

"You can't go into games needing to score two or three to win. The bizarre thing about tonight is it's the best we've played for six or seven weeks.

"But nobody wants to hear me talking about how well we performed given the way we capitulated at the end. I'm trying hard at the moment to bite my tongue.

"I don't want to be one of those managers that throws players under the bus but it's very, very hard for me to accept what went on there.

"You have to stand up and be counted and take pride in defending your goal. The second one, how can it drop a yard from our line without any of my defenders making an attempt to go and get a head on it?

"It's just such a sore, sore defeat for us."

The United boss adds he is "embarassed" and "angry" at the "pathetic" nature of the goals they conceded.

Hibernian debutant Ante Suto scored a brilliant header in stoppage time to complete a dramatic comeback win against Dundee United, whose Scottish Premiership top-six hopes were dealt a severe blow.

Have your say.

We asked for your thoughts on Dundee United's business in the January transfer window.

Here's what some of you said:

Kieran: First and foremost the club addressed the elephant in the room - goalkeeping. On first sight against Hearts, Ashley Maynard-Brewer looks like the commanding and competent goalie we have been screaming for. If he keeps it up we would be foolish not to pursue a longer term contract in the summer. The other two signings we will see what may come. On paper they sound decent but actions speak louder than words.

George: Let's hope these signings last longer than some previous ones. Players bought or loaned in haven't lasted for more than months before being moved on or released. Signing based on stats in the current league doesn't mean they are good enough for Scottish football. I'll keep my fingers crossed but feel promoting our young players, rather than selling them, would have been a better option based on the last two seasons.

Malcolm: January never a good window for buying, folk are shouting for a striker but richer clubs than us have struggled for that.

Paul: No disrespect to any of the new signings but it's difficult to be optimistic when the manager continues to play a system that he does not have the players for. The signings could be good players however it is unrealistic to imagine they will turn United around as long as the system remains in place. Simply put, either the system or the manager has to go. Unfortunately Jim Goodwin won't change and Mark Ogren won't act as he has little interest. United will continue on a downward spiral.

Stuart: Really poor window. We are in a relegation scrap and teams like Kilmarnock have strengthened. Goodwin is too negative with his tactics and the football is terrible to watch. Very little creativity and very predictable, the total opposite from the first few games of the season.

Marc: I don't think the business done during the transfer window is the biggest concern, it's the mismanagement of players, constantly chopping and changing line ups and not looking anywhere near fit enough.

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• Hibernian are unbeaten in five Scottish Premiership games against Dundee United (W2 D3), their longest run over them in the top-flight since going nine without defeat from March 2006 to September 2008.

• Both teams have scored in each of the last eight Scottish Premiership matches between Hibernian (16 goals) and Dundee United (14 goals) since the Tangerines won 1-0 in October 2022.

• Hibernian have lost 10 of their last 14 home games played on a Wednesday in the Scottish Premiership (W4), including four of five since the 2023-24 season.

• Dundee United have only won one of their last nine away league games (D5 L3), beating Livingston 3-1 in December.

• Dundee United's Luca Stephenson has scored four goals in five Scottish Premiership appearances against Hibernian, including three in two this season.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

There was little to like from a Dundee United perspective during their 3-0 home defeat to Hearts last weekend but there was one real positive – the performance of debut goalie, Ashley Maynard-Brewer.

Having arrived from Charlton Athletic – on an initial six month deal – just a few days before, the 26-year-old was thrown straight in at the deep end and managed to deliver an assured performance and produced a string of fine saves.

He faced 22 shots from the visitors, 12 of which were on target and 18 came inside his own penalty area. Hearts also created eight chances and had 43 touches inside the United box.

Maynard-Brewer made eight saves over the 90 minutes at Tannadice and his save percentage of 72.7% is already higher than now second choice goalkeeper Dave Richards and former United stopper Kucherenko.

What made his display even more impressive was the fact that his Tannadice outing represented his first match since the end of August last year.

That would suggest that Maynard-Brewer, who had a spell on loan at Ross County earlier in his career, will only get better.

United haven't had their troubles to seek in the goalkeeping department this season, troubles manager Jim Goodwin will now be hoping are in the past.

Dundee United have failed in their attempt to have Amar Fatah and Pan Camara's red cards overturned.

Both players will sit out Wednesday's Premiership game against Hibernian at Easter Road and the visit of Aberdeen seven days later.

A panel convened by the Scottish FA rejected wrongful dismissal claims against the pair following United's 3-0 defeat by Hearts on Saturday.

Fatah was sent off for catching Marc Leonard on the ankle midway through the first half and Camara was dismissed for motioning his head towards the same player off the ball.

The deadline-day arrival of 21-year-old Ghanaian midfielder Emmanuel Agyei from Israeli side Ashdod could help offset the absence of Camara.

United uploaded a video highlights reel of their new signing which showed his running power, dynamism and tough tackling.

Manager Jim Goodwin told United's website: "Emmanuel is a player whose energy and willingness to play forward quickly caught our attention.

"He's comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and has shown he can operate in different roles, whether that's sitting in front of the backline or playing in a more advanced, box-to-box position.

"Emmanuel has extensive experience of senior football in Ghana, having made in excess of 70 appearances back home in the top flight, while he has become a more polished and rounded midfielder during his time in Israel playing against strong European opposition.

"His career path shows a mental toughness and willingness to challenge himself in new environments, and that's exactly the type of character I'm keen to add to my existing group."

Image source, SNS

Hibs could hand debuts to Felix Passlack, Ante Suto and Munashe Garananga while Josh Campbell returns and Miguel Chaiwa has shaken off a head knock. Grant Hanley (hamstring) drops out.

Dundee United are without the suspended Amar Fatah and Pan Camara after the club's appeal against the duo's red cards was dismissed.

New signing Emmanuel Agyei could feature. Vicko Sevelj (groin) and Isaac Pappoe (knee) miss out.

Paul McNicoll
Fan writer

Something feels off at Tannadice right now. A sense of apathy is creeping in among the support.

No United fan accepts defeat lightly, but when it comes, it no longer shocks.

That mood stems from the club itself. There is a growing disconnect, or at least it feels that way.

My own assessment of the season declines with each passing week. In August, recruitment appeared encouraging. Fourteen new signings arrived, largely unfamiliar but seemingly promising.

Fast forward to February and that optimism has faded. A handful of players have shown their value and some potential has emerged, but overall it has not been good enough. The league table tells its own story: 23 games played, five wins. By any standard, that is poor.

Responsibility inevitably falls on the manager, Jim Goodwin, and some of that criticism is justified. He has persisted with a defensive system that has looked ineffective and ill-suited to several players.

The backline lacks leadership and character, creativity is minimal, and goals are scarce, just 28 so far. From a supporter's perspective, it has also been difficult to watch. That said, the blame does not rest solely with him.

From the outside looking in at the club, it appears budgets have been tightened across the board. Recruitment has leaned heavily towards low-cost foreign signings and data-led decision-making. While this approach can work, it has not delivered this season.

The chairman has lost significant money since taking over, which is hardly surprising in Scottish football.

It is understandable he now wants to recover some of that investment, but United have been down this road before, and it did not end well.

If the ambition has shifted from building success to simply recouping losses, then serious questions must be asked about the future.

Should this approach continue into next season, fan apathy will only deepen and attendances will suffer, costing the club even more. These are difficult days at Tannadice.

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

With the transfer window now shut, we want to know if you think your team have made the right moves.

United bought midfielder Emmanuel Agyei on deadline day, adding to the arrivals of goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer and defender Neil Farrugia.

Are you happy with the club's transfer business? Are they now in good shape for the remainder of the season?

Tell us your thoughts here.