Dundee United

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Jim Goodwin knows his Dundee United side must be at their best against Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup on Sunday, but believes they have what it takes to upset the odds.

The Tannadice outfit earned a deserved point in their Scottish Premiership opener against Rangers before losing 4-0 at Hearts last weekend.

"It's obviously one of the most difficult draws that you could get," Goodwin told DUTV.

"You know that if you're going to win a cup then you're going to have to face some of the big boys at some stage in the competition.

"Ideally, you probably don't want to be meeting them until the semi-final or the final, but the draw has thrown this fixture up.

"It's early days to be playing Celtic, but it's a really good test for the players. They performed really, really well in the last home game against Rangers, the atmosphere within the stadium was incredible.

"Our supporters contributed greatly on the night, and we gave them plenty to cheer about in that game, and we have to make sure we do the same again tomorrow evening if we're going to get a result."

Celtic have bolstered their squad with the signings of midfielder Mika Baur and winger Haissem Hassan, after the arrivals of forwards Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran earlier this summer.

"Celtic have been the best team in the country for a number of years now," Goodwin said.

"You can see the investment that they've made in their squad during this summer window.

"I think they're touching nearly £40million spend so that gives you an indication as to the quality that we're going to face tomorrow.

"But we showed last year [by beating Celtic 2-0], if we get the game plan right and if the players perform to the levels that they're capable of, then anything can happen, and that has to be the mindset going to the game."

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Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Saturday's visit of Celtic in the League Cup.

Here are the main points:

• Goodwin feels his side are "a couple of points short of where we should be given the overall performance against Rangers in the opening fixture" but insists "there were certainly lots of positives to take from it".

• Although "we were feeling really good going into the game against Hearts" the United boss says "we couldn't have got off to a worse start with the opening goal after three or four minutes" as they were beaten 4-0 at Tynecastle last weekend.

• And while he knows "it's not ideal at this early stage of the season" to lose by such a big margin, he insists "I'm pretty confident that we'll get a positive reaction tomorrow".

• On midfielder Abdoulaye Yoro, who joined from Istanbul Basaksehir on loan, Goodwin admits "he's a little bit behind the rest of the group but he's in good shape, just needs that little bit of sharpness".

• And the new midfielder "will be a part of the squad tomorrow and will hopefully make his home debut".

• On transfers, Goodwin admits "in terms of incomings that will be pretty much us in terms of the business that we've done".

• And the manager is happy with the depth of his squad, adding "when everybody is fit and available we're probably going to have to leave one or two players in the stand, which is not something we've had the luxury of being able to do in the three years I've been here".

• The boss feels "we've done some brilliant work in the transfer window and I think we're in a really strong place going forward".

• On facing Celtic in the last 16 of the League Cup, Goodwin knows "it's one of the most difficult draws that you could get" but feels "it's a really good test for the players".

• Looking back on the 1-1 draw with Rangers in their first game of the season, Goodwin feels his side gave supporters "a lot to cheer about" and stresses "we have to make sure we do the same tomorrow night".

• But the United manager is confident, adding "we showed last year that if we get the game plan right, and the players perform to the level they're capable of, we can get a result."

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Midfielder Abdoulaye Yoro has joined Dundee United from Istanbul Basaksehir on a season-long loan.

The 19-year-old from the Ivory Coast was previously loaned to Dinamo Tbilisi and attended United's 4-0 defeat by Hearts at Tynecastle on Sunday.

At Tbilisi, Yoro scored seven goals in 30 appearances.

"He's an exciting young player with a lot of potential and a deal we've worked hard to pull off," manager Jim Goodwin told club media.

"He had a really successful season in Georgia last year, gaining valuable experience of regular senior football and showing his ability in the final third on a regular basis.

"He's technically very good, energetic and has a real hunger to improve. We believe Dundee United is a great environment for him to continue his development and test himself in the Scottish Premiership.

"He gives us another option in midfield and I'm looking forward to working with him."

And Yoro added: "I can't wait to play in front of all the fans.

"I'm a technical player, quick, fast and like to score goals."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

What will we learn a lot about this newly assembled Dundee United squad over the next few weeks?

We should certainly get a flavour of the character it possesses.

Romanian left-back Kevin Ciubotaru last week became manager Jim Goodwin's 11th summer signing.

While a lot of United's transfer business was done earlier in the window, given the size of the player overhaul it is still fair to assume it could take this new-look squad time to gel.

That said, they made an encouraging start to the Premiership campaign, drawing 1-1 with Rangers at Tannadice in a game they could have won.

However, the optimism that followed suffered an almighty jolt as they crashed to a 4-0 defeat at Hearts at the weekend.

While nothing is won in the first few months of the season, a narrative can be set. Goodwin will be hoping it can still be a positive one, despite what happened in the capital.

It is the old football cliche that you learn more about your players amid adversity, so how they respond to that Hearts humbling will be intriguing.

Going back to that word - character - it will be needed in abundance going into a really tough-looking quartet of fixtures.

First up is a home date with Celtic in the League Cup, which is then followed by a Tannadice Premiership derby with Dundee. After that it is back-to-back league away days at Kilmarnock and Motherwell.

If they can get through those games relatively unscathed, then that positive narrative will continue to be built.

If they struggle, the United fans - who are hoping for an improvement on last season's seventh-placed finish - will undoubtedly start to let their frustrations be known.

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

Well, that excitement lasted a week.

After leaving Tannadice last Friday encouraged by United going toe to toe with Rangers, Sunday brought us crashing straight back down to earth.

Gubbed in Gorgie. The biggest frustration was how quickly the game disappeared. Two goals down after 12 minutes at Tynecastle and suddenly whatever gameplan Jim Goodwin had was in the bin.

United did respond, there were chances before half-time and spells where we actually caused Hearts problems. But here's the stat that matters: zero shots on target in 95 minutes.

Hearts were ruthless. United weren't.

And defensively, we made life far too easy for them. You can accept Tom Renaud sticking one into the top bin from distance - sometimes you hold your hands up.

The penalty? Daft. The third and fourth? Far too easy.

Jack Walton making several good saves in a 4-0 defeat probably tells you everything you need to know.

What makes it particularly frustrating is the contrast from Rangers. Last week we were talking about intensity, identity and encouraging signs from a new-look team. Nine days later, almost every positive had been replaced by a question mark.

But it is two league games. One encouraging performance, one absolute stinker. Four points haven't suddenly become the target because we drew with Rangers and relegation hasn't suddenly arrived because Hearts battered us.

The response matters now - unfortunately, Celtic are next, and they've just stuck five past Kilmarnock, so that's handy.

Welcome back, football. I hadn't missed the mood swings.

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

United fans, we asked for your views after Sunday's Scottish Premiership defeat to Hearts.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Gary: I listened to Jim Goodwin's post-match assessment, he's either lying or delusional because he says he saw and what actually took place on that Tynecastle pitch are worlds apart. It was a shocking display, especially at the back. We cannot afford to be Jekyll and Hyde this season - zero shots on target and conceding four goals against a Hearts team missing players is unforgivable.

Dave: Jim Goodwin said the people who weren't at the match may have thought that Hearts gave us a good hiding, well I was there and can confirm that they did give us a good hiding. Too many players were off the pace in the first half and in the second half when we got the ball in their box none of our players could manage anything other than tippy-tappy shots in the general direction of the goal. A very poor performance all round.

David: Goodwin thinks a four goal defeat is a close game. Last season's defensive mess continues and with the change of players the only constant is the manager and the coaching staff. Are they capable of putting a team together who can defend? Not on this showing or many games last season

Jenny: One of the strangest games I've seen. There was never four goals between the sides with United playing some nice stuff at times. Lachlan Rose worked his socks off and is already a fan favourite. Once he and the team click it could be a great season for Dundee United.

Alan: Enough is enough, Goodwin has to go. He is tactically naive and keeps trying to defend the indefensible. We need a change at the helm. I know it's early season but it's another Goodwin team that is leaky in defence and offers nothing up front. There's a chance, like in previous seasons, of sleepwalking into a relegation battle. Come on United give yourselves a shake and wake up.

Gordon: Absolutely rotten, a point against a poor Rangers side papered over the cracks. We're in trouble under Goodwin.

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Dundee United Jim Goodwin: "For people not at the game today, they'd look at the scoreline and think that Hearts have given us a right going over.

"The reality is that we had plenty of the game. In the first half, I didn't think there was a lot between the two teams. Tom Renaud has struck a great ball from 40 yards. That's why we spoke to him in the summer and tried to bring him to Dundee United.

"The second goal is really disappointing. In this day and age, you don't get away with pulling a jersey in the box from a set play. VAR were always going to look at it.

"We gave ourselves a mountain to climb. We tried to make a positive change at half-time, brought on Sapsford. We knew the importance of trying to get the next goal.

"We had two or three chances at the opening of the second half but couldn't capitalise on them. Ultimately, Hearts have done us on the break on a few occasions. We need to learn from that.

"The second, third and fourth goal, there's a bit of naivety in the way we defended those situations. Maybe a bit of inexperience. But these are things I felt we did well against Rangers.

"The reality of the situation is Hearts have hit the target on seven occasions today, and scored four goals. We've not managed to hit the target once. You can't win games of football like that."

Wouter Vrancken got his first win as Heart of Midlothian head coach in his fifth attempt as they put on a classy attacking display to fire four goals past Dundee United at Tynecastle Park in the Scottish Premiership.

Read the full match report here.

Let us know your thoughts.

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Hearts face defensive issues as Stuart Findlay is suspended and Craig Halkett (Achilles), Stephen Kingsley (hamstring), Malachi Fagan-Walcott (ankle) and Christian Borchgrevink (muscle) are all injured. Harry Milne and Laurent Mendy are also doubts after going off against Benfica, while Ageu is still sidelined.

Dundee United will again be without Dario Naamo through injury but Lachie Rose and Bert Esselink have recovered from niggles and should be fit.

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• Five of the past six Scottish Premiership matches between Heart of Midlothian and Dundee United have been won by the away side, the exception a 1-1 draw at Tynecastle in November 2025. The last home win in this fixture was by Hearts in February 2023 (3-1).

• Dundee United are unbeaten in three away games against Hearts in the Scottish Premiership (W2 D1), facing a different Hearts manager each time (Steven Naismith, Neil Critchley, Derek McInnes).

• Hearts have lost their past two league games, last losing three in a row when they suffered five defeats in a row in August and September 2024. They have not started a season with two defeats since 2009-10 under manager Csaba Laszlo.

• Dundee United have not kept a clean sheet in any of their past 17 away Scottish Premiership matches, since a 2-0 win at Dundee in August 2025. Since the start of last season, Dundee United have kept the fewest away clean sheets of any side in the league (1).

• Only Rangers' Emmanuel Fernandez (15) won more aerial duels on MD1 of this season's Scottish Premiership than Dundee United's Michael Forbes (8). He also ranked first among his team-mates for headed clearances (7) and successful passes (32) in their 1-1 draw with Rangers.

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Dundee United have signed Kevin Ciubotaru, who made his Romania debut last year, after the left-back left Hermannstadt in his homeland's top flight.

The 22-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Scottish Premiership club, who hold an option of a further year.

His arrival comes amid speculation about the sale of Will Ferry.

Born in Italy, Ciubotaru is no stranger to Scottish football having joined Rangers' academy in 2022 after spells with Rapid Vienna and Parma.

And he told United's website: "As soon as I heard of the interest, it was a move I wanted to make.

"I've lived in Scotland before and having the opportunity to come to this massive club was one I couldn't pass up."

Ciubotaru signed a three-year contract with Hermannstadt after a year at Ibrox and, following a spell on loan to Liga 2 side Unirea Ungheni, he went on to make 39 first-team appearances for his parent club before they were relegated when finishing 14th of the 16 Superliga sides.

He also made his Romania debut as a half-time substitute in a 2-1 win over Moldova in Bucharest in October.

United manager Jim Goodwin added: "He's an exciting young full-back who will add real quality to our defensive options and I'm thrilled he's chosen to join us.

"He had a real breakthrough season last campaign and played close to 40 games in the Romanian top flight whilst also earning his first senior cap, so we feel he's joining the group with valuable experience in senior football and a real desire to improve and learn every day which is an important attribute."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United defender Joshua Rawlins feels their tough start to the campaign is a chance to build momentum.

After successfully navigating their way through the League Cup group stage, United opened their Premiership season with a solid 1-1 draw against Rangers at Tannadice.

On Sunday they face last season's runners-up as they travel to Hearts, a game which is followed by a cup tie with Celtic and a city derby with neighbours Dundee.

"Building momentum is definitely going to be a key for us," Rawlins said of their upcoming run of fixtures.

"We have a difficult start but it is also four games that we are looking forward to.

"Ever since the [cup] draw, we knew it was going to be a difficult start but if we can get through these four games with some good results and some good performances then it builds momentum for us."

One thing that stood out for United against Rangers was the energy and intensity Jim Goodwin's side brought to the encounter.

That is something 22-year-old Rawlins says they aim to bring to every game.

"We know we have to bring it up a level when we come against the good sides but also to hold that consistency throughout the year," he added.

"We are a young team, I think maybe one of the youngest in the league, and that comes with youthful exuberance and energy so hopefully we can keep that going in to the next few games."

Australian Rawlins arrived on a two-year deal from Melbourne Victory earlier this summer.

Prior to making the move he got the thoughts of a couple of faces who are familiar to Scottish football.

"I have a couple of friends who have played here [in Scotland] in the past, one was at Hearts, Nathaniel Atkinson and I spoke more regularly a bit more before I came with Aziz Behic [ex Dundee United]." Rawlins said.

"He said it is a club that loves football and the city loves Dundee United and if you can play for the badge and put on good performances week in week out then you are going to enjoy your time there."

Anderlecht are ready to table a £2.2m bid for Dundee United's Will Ferry as Blackburn Rovers express interest in the Republic of Ireland international. (Courier - subscription required, external)

The Belgian club are in advanced talks with Dundee United over left-back Ferry, 25. (Sacho Tavolieri, external)

Sunday's trip to face Hearts will come too soon for Dundee United's midfielder Abdoulaye Yoro, 19, to make his debut. (Courier - subscription required, external)

Friday's Scottish gossip

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Jim Goodwin has "no doubt" Dundee United can maintain the high level of performance they showed in the 1-1 season-opening draw with Rangers.

United could have won the game at Tannadice after delivering a display was full of energy and aggression all over the park.

Manager Goodwin is looking for more of the same when they travel to Hearts on Sunday.

He said: "To not lose the game was important but over the balance of play we possibly could have gone on and won it.

"We certainly take a huge amount of confidence from that performance.

"It was only one good game at the end of the day. To raise your game for the opening game of the season, live on TV, against one of the big boys in the league is easy - can you go and do that and repeat it week in, week out?'

"I have no doubt this group can and hopefully they will be able to show that again on Sunday."

United face a testing weekend trip to Tynecastle against last season's Premiership runners-up.

Hearts have endured a bumpy start to the campaign, but Goodwin is not buying into the argument the Tynecastle side are vulnerable at the moment.

He said: "Results haven't been ideal for them and not what they were looking for but they have played against some really good opposition.

"Sturm Graz are a good team; in the Aberdeen game I thought Hearts were the better team for the majority of the game and probably should have had the points wrapped up but a few lapses of concentration in the dying moments has cost them dearly.

"But when I look at the strength and depth that Hearts have got within the squad, particularly in the midfield and forward areas and they have got terrific options, some really good players, lots of pace and energy in the team."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premiership trip to play Hearts.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• Goodwin says United can "take a huge amount of confidence" from their performance in their opening Premiership draw with Rangers, but notes it was "only one good game".

• The manager says his side now face the challenge of delivering that kind of display week in, week out.

• Goodwin says they are embracing "a tough start in terms of the fixtures we have got to contend with," as they prepare to face last season's runners-up, before champions Celtic and a Dundee derby.

• He doesn't buy into the argument Hearts are vulnerable at the moment and is "expecting nothing but a really difficult fixture" against a side with a lot of "strength and depth" in their squad.

• Amid continued speculation over the future of Will Ferry, Goodwin says there is "nothing at all" to update on the situation, adding: "Right now going forward I am planning for Will Ferry to be a Dundee United player."

• On further signings, Goodwin says he hopes to have "some positive news" over the coming days, with defence and attacking midfield the areas they may strengthen further.

• Whatever happens, he believes United "have enough within the squad at the moment to compete with every team in the Scottish Premiership".

• "Everyone is fine" for their trip to Tynecastle.

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin plays down Saturday's opponents Hearts' early season struggles. (Courier - subscription required, external)

Thursday's Scottish gossip

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Dundee United's season-opening draw with Rangers could so easily have been a win if Jesse Randall had taken the gilt-edged chance he was presented with in the second half.

While Jim Goodwin was clearly frustrated about that after the game, he will now have had time to reflect and will be very happy with what his side served up against a team who have designs on the title.

The key takeaway was the energy in Goodwin's side. From kick-off they swarmed Rangers, pressing well and not giving their visitors any chance to settle.

United fans will be hoping that is a welcome new trait which becomes the norm rather than a one-off.

If it is, and if they can sharpen up a bit in front of goal, there is plenty of cause for optimism about what the campaign can deliver.

Another thing that caught my eye was the post-match interview of United scorer Lachlan Rose.

It would have been easy for him to say how happy he was with his and his team's display and that there was plenty to build on - but what came through loud and clear was his frustration and disappointment they hadn't taken all three points.

In Rose, United look to have recruited a player with a winning attitude. If that is shared by his team-mates then the Tangerines will be a real handful for anyone.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Jack Walton - Dundee United

Made several important stops as Dundee United matched Rangers at Tannadice.

Lewis Mayo - Aberdeen

Bundled a vital equaliser home as Aberdeen snatched three points at the death against Hearts.

Martin Moormann - Motherwell

An impressive defensive performance from the Austrian as Motherwell repelled Hibernian's second-half pressure.

Cheick Diabate - St Johnstone

A goal and another big showing from the St Johnstone centre-back as Simo Valakari's side edged a seven-goal thriller against Kilmarnock.

Henry Fieldson - St Mirren

The versatile signing from Queen's Park had a superb St Mirren league debut.

Kieran Tierney - Celtic

Felt like the Kieran Tierney of old. He swung in a sublime assist for Benjamin Nygren's winning goal.

Thelo Aasgaard - Rangers

A moment of real quality to equalise and repay the faith shown in him by manager Derek McInnes.

Killian Phillips - St Mirren

Energy personified. The Irish midfielder made all the difference, scoring twice, as St Mirren beat Falkirk on Saturday.

Jamie Gullan - St Johnstone

Full of guile in their Championship-winning season and normal service resumed in the swashbuckling win over Kilmarnock. Five key passes and two assists for the tricky wide man.

Ibrahim Said - Motherwell

His delight was clear to see as he finished off a fine Motherwell passing move to put Hibs to the sword at Easter Road.

Kevin Nisbet - Aberdeen

The Aberdeen captain thoroughly enjoyed his celebration as he handled the pressure of winning the match for Aberdeen from the penalty spot deep in added time.

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin is planning to have left-back Will Ferry, 25, available for the foreseeable future, amid transfer interest in the Republic of Ireland international. (Courier - subscription required, external)

Ferry will only leave if United's valuation is met, says Goodwin. (Record - subscription required, external)

Wednesday's Scottish gossip

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Hearts' appeal against centre-half Stuart Findlay's red card against Aberdeen on Sunday has been rejected by the Scottish FA.

The 30-year-old will miss Sunday's Scottish Premiership match against Dundee United through suspension.

Findlay was shown a straight red in stoppage time following a foul on Toyosi Olusanya inside the penalty box, with Kevin Nisbet scoring the resulting spot kick to secure a 2-1 for the hosts.

Hearts had argued it was a genuine attempt to play the ball and cited "a near identical incident" at the weekend when Motherwell's Oscar Preistman was shown a yellow card against Hibernian.

The Tynecastle club expressed disappointment at the appeal being rejected but said they would make no further comment.