Dundee United

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Wing-back Neil Farrugia - who once turned down the chance to join Pep Guardiola's Manchester City - has joined Dundee United from Barnsley on a contract until summer 2028.

United manager Jim Goodwin says the 26-year-old adds "vast experience" to the Tannadice side.

Paris-born Republic of Ireland youth international Farrugia began his career with UCD where his form led to a trial at Man City, but he rejected a permanent deal to focus on completing his degree in biomedical science.

He subsequently joined Shamrock Rovers in summer 2019, going on to make 136 appearances, scoring 12 goals.

Last January he made the switch to English League One Barnsley where he played 30 games, scored once and provided three assists.

Faruggia has been called up to the senior Ireland squad but is yet to make his debut.

"Neil is a player who fits our tactical framework extremely well and adds depth and quality in key areas we have been looking to strengthen," manager Goodwin said.

"Defensively, Neil is disciplined and intelligent in his positioning. He recovers quickly in transition and is comfortable defending in one-versus-one scenarios - that balance between attacking intent and defensive responsibility is imperative to our style of football.

"He also brings vast experience from different environments, having played almost 200 senior games back home in Ireland under the demands of consistent success, featured regularly in high-profile European competition and tested himself down south throughout the past year.

"At 26, he is at an age where he understands the game well but still has scope to improve within our structure."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Dundee United won't be judged by their 4-0 defeat at a Celtic side lifted by Martin O'Neill's dugout return - but they will be by how they react to it.

It has been a flat campaign for United, who are seventh in the Premiership, but they still harbour hopes of challenging for the European places and going on a run in the Scottish Cup.

Their next five games are critical to both those ends.

Anything other than a victory at home to Championship side Ayr United this weekend seems unthinkable.

After that, three of their next four league games are at home (to St Mirren, Hearts and Aberdeen) with a trip to Hibs in among that run.

It feels like a sequence of matches where there is a real chance to build up a positive head of steam.

Conversely, if things don't go to plan, the Tannadice faithful could become resigned to the fact mid-table mediocrity may be the best they can hope for over the coming months.

Dundee United are set to hold talks with a view to annulling the loan deal of Ferencvaros midfielder Isaac Pappoe, with the 22-year-old unlikely to play again this season after sustaining a knee injury in August. (The Courier - subscription required), external

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

Thirty three years. That's how long Parkhead has been a place of hope followed by the same sinking feeling when the final whistle is blown.

Thankfully my grandad's 90th birthday gathering meant not having to endure another torrid, turgid and dare I say training match away to Celtic.

You go into this fixture telling yourself this time might be different. That hope usually lasts about 10 minutes.

A flat back 10. No out ball. No pressure. Just wave after wave coming back at us. Damage limitation dressed up as a plan. It keeps the score down for a bit but kills any chance of belief.

Then there's the ticket. Eye-watering money for supporters to shell out. Fans pay it because they always do. Because it's your club. And once again you leave feeling robbed blind for the privilege.

And then that green pole blocking your view. Standing there like a monument to everything that goes wrong for us in that corner of Glasgow. A blessing in disguise when it's blocking our goal right enough.

Not that it means anything, and because I'm getting fed up at myself for constantly going on about it, but surely that's a red card challenge on Will Ferry?

Anyway, another defeat, another lesson and another year added to the count.

Parkhead heartache again, some traditions never change.

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

Dundee United are close to securing the capture of 26-year-old Barnsley winger Neil Farrugia, with the Irish winger likely to be confirmed on a permanent contract until the summer of 2028 on Tuesday. (The Courier), external

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish gossip.

Barnsley defender Neil Farrugia, 26, is a target for Dundee United. (Courier - subscription required), external

Irishman Farrugia is leaving Barnsley to join United. (Irish Independent - subscription required), external

Read Monday's Scottish gossip

Watch highlights as Celtic win 4-0 against Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your thoughts after Dundee United lost 4-0 against Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

Here's what some of you said:

John: It's not a game that decides the season, but it should serve as a reminder that we are closer to a relegation scrap than aiming for Europe. Conceding too many at the back and not offering enough going forward will leave us in a dog fight after the split.

George: I haven't been critical of Jim Goodwin all season but why when facing a Celtic team not at their best he was so negative in team selection I can't comprehend. Everyone knew they would get a bounce off the back of Martin O'Neill's return but to invite them to attack after attack was asking for problems. We should have been more positive and tried to get them on the back foot. I'm prepared to let this one go but hope to seem a more positive team selection for the rest of the season.

Paul: Goodwin is a terrible manager but thinks he's a tactical genius. Terrible formation and tactics again. Changed the system at half-time, like he does most weeks because he got it wrong initially. United are better than this. Goodwin has to go.

Kieran: Dire, dull and damn right awful. I've said it before I'll say it again Goodwin is on borrowed time. I wouldn't mind getting beat if we offered something but we didn't lay a glove on them at all. So pragmatic, reactive and negative. Something needs to change and quickly whether Goodwin goes or the system does something has to give.

Jimmy: Outclassed by a mediocre Celtic. Goodwin has reached his limit. For a time it was win one, lose one. Now the players look lost and their quality is being found out. Absolutely shocking.

Richard: Absolutely shocking yet again. Goodwin is rapidly taking us on a downward spiral, and doesn't seem to know anything other than to be defensive. Change is now required!

Martin O'Neill marked his first game back in charge by returning Celtic to second place in the Scottish Premiership - and within three points of leaders Hearts - with a comfortable victory over struggling Dundee United.

Read the match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "We always knew today's fixture was going to be difficult.

"We know the quality Celtic have got but obviously the change in management has given the players and home supporters are real lift because the atmosphere in here was a lot better than what it was a week prior.

"They're playing a formation and a system that the players are familiar with, and one that suits the squad they've got. When you come here you know you're going to be starved of possession at times and you have to really show a bit of resilience in and around your penalty area and I think today there's lots of areas within the goals we've conceded we could've done a lot better. When you give Celtic a two goal advantage it becomes a mountain to climb.

"Owen Stirton led the line well, it was really difficult to get good service up to him btu I thought he put in a real shift. He had a couple of good opportunities himself that he'll feel himself he probably should've done better.

"When you come here you have to do the basics well defensively, at times you need your goalkeeper to make saves and when you get half chances you've got to be clinical and take them, we couldn't do that today.

"Next Saturday is a huge fixture, we want to try and go far in the Scottish Cup. It's going to be a really difficult game, there will be no pressure on Ayr United but the expectation is there for us. We have to defend better than we did today. Hopefully we'll show a better version of ourselves in that fixture."

On Julian Araujo's challenge on Will Ferry, Goodwin added: "I thought the Celtic defender was a little bit out of control. Will Ferry took a real sore one, VAR seemed to skim over it pretty quickly so if they're satisfied with it then it's fine."

Manager Jim Goodwin is not surprised there has been speculation about Krisztian Keresztes, 26, but has insisted Dundee United remain in a strong position to exercise their option to buy the defender from Nyiregyhaza Spartacus despite interest from other clubs. (Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

Celtic are without Kelechi Iheanacho, Alistair Johnston, Callum Osmand and Marcelo Saracchi (all hamstring) along with Jota (knee) and Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles).

Sebastian Tounekti and Michel-Ange Balikwisha could be involved after Africa Cup of Nations duty.

United expect to have Ryan Strain and Dario Naamo available after groin injuries. Isaac Pappoe (knee) remains out.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Saturday's trip to Celtic.

Here are the main points:

• Goodwin insists the team let themselves and the supporters down in the derby defeat at home to Dundee last week but can't afford to "dwell on it".

• He describes Martin O'Neill's return to Celtic for a second interim spell a month after leaving as "bizarre circumstances", but says he "showed what he could do the previous time".

• Goodwin was a Celtic player during O'Neill's first two years in charge but never made an appearance under the Northern Irishman. He says: "I did a pre-season tour with them in Denmark, but Martin soon figured out I wasn't quite up to the level and very quickly put me back down with the reserves where I spent the next couple of years."

• He says O'Neill has an "aura", explaining: "When he walked into the dressing room, there were some really big characters at the time with the likes of Chris Sutton, John Hartson, Stiliyan Petrov and Neil Lennon. But as soon as Martin O'Neill popped his head in the door, you could hear a pin drop. That's the kind of aura he possesses."

• United aim to "upset the party" at Parkhead on Saturday. After beating the defending champions 2-1 last month during Wilfried Nancy's tenure, Goodwin is expected a "different Celtic" but wants a similar performance from his side.

• He expects Celtic to revert to a back four and says the players will "get a lift from that".

• On transfers, Goodwin was asked if he is seeking to sign a goalkeeper following Yevhen Kucherenko's exit this week. He replied: "We're looking to strengthen the squad in any area we can."

• On Kucherenko's departure, Goodwin believes there is a "really good goalkeeper in there" but "big mistakes in some big games" seriously impacted his confidence.

• With 12 games left before the split, Goodwin says the top five are "very strong" and he expects United to be battling for sixth spot along with Falkirk, Aberdeen, St Mirren and Dundee.

• He adds: "There's so much to play for for so many teams. It's been the most competitive Scottish Premiership I can remember as a player or as a manager."

• United have a "full complement of players available" for Saturday's game.

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• Celtic are unbeaten in 50 home games against Dundee United in all competitions (W38 D12) since a 1-0 league defeat in December 1992. It's just their second ever run of 50+ home matches unbeaten against any club, along with a 64-match spell against Kilmarnock from 1957 to 2011.

• After their 2-1 win in December, Dundee United could secure back-to-back league victories over Celtic for the first time since January 1990.

• After winning all five of their Premiership games under Martin O'Neill this season, Celtic lost four of six league matches under Wilfried Nancy (W2), with O'Neill now returning to the club.

• During his first spell in charge, the Northern Irishman won all 19 of his games against Dundee United in all competitions – the most any Celtic manager has faced a single opponent without ever failing to win.

• Dundee United have gained a league-high 10 points from losing positions in the Premiership this season, coming from behind to beat Celtic 2-1 in December. Indeed, Celtic have lost two of the past four league games in which they have led at any stage (W2), as many as their previous 220 when leading (W201 D17 L2).

• Celtic are looking to avoid losing three successive league matches for the first time since October 1994. After their 3-1 defeat to Rangers, the Hoops could also lose their opening two league games of a calendar year for the first time since 1994.

We asked for your views on what business Dundee United need to do in the January window.

Here's what some of you said:

Alan: Obviously another goalkeeper but more importantly go back to a back four with a couple of faster defenders.

Stuart: We desperately need a goalkeeper and another striker option. Possibly a creative midfielder. Most of all we need Jim Goodwin to stop changing the team every week and get a more settled team.

Brian: A couple of full-backs so we can use a back four would be perfect. Goodwin's three at the back has been a disaster. A classy midfielder has to be a priority.

Kieran: In all fairness the spine of the team needs replacing. Another keeper, Craig Gordon? A centre-half, a centre mid - ideally similar to Pan Camara but with more creativity - and striker is a must. A left-back/wing-back to provide cover for Will Ferry and another pacey winger should do the trick. I don't think that is too much to ask. Maybe Mark Ogren's cheque book says otherwise.

Ken: We need to strengthen the spine. Goalie, centre-half, number nine striker. Jack Walton, Kerr Smith and Sam Dalby would be great.

Julian: More than anything we need a striker who'll score eight goals between now and May. Amar Fatah and Zac Sapsford are great wingers, on occasion they are world class, but so many chances are missed. I'd even go for a veteran who knows the league well like Stevie May. A lot of fans are calling out for a keeper but I think Dave Richards is a more than capable number one, so for me it's all about a striker.

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St Mirren have completed the "fantastic signing" of midfielder Allan Campbell on a deal until the end of the season.

The 27-year-old former Scotland cap has been without a club since leaving Dundee United last summer.

Campbell began his career with Motherwell - where he worked under current Saints boss Stephen Robinson - and made 160 appearances before joining Luton Town in 2021.

He helped the Hatters win promotion to the Premier League in 2023 before falling out favour and spending time on loan at Millwall and Charlton.

Manager Robinson said: "I've worked with Allan before. He's gone down to England and done very well. He's the right type of character and he's got a lot of quality.

"He hasn't played football for a little while. But on a short-term contract, we think he's a fantastic signing and will be very good around the place as well. Allan's someone with immense talent that could influence games.

"With our numbers being short in midfield, he seemed like the perfect solution and we're confident that he'll be a real asset towards the end of the season."

Campbell, whose sole Scotland appearance came in the 4-1 Nations League win over Armenia in June 2022, is relishing the reunion with Robinson at the League Cup winners.

"He was the one who gave me my real start in professional football, played me, backed me, and developed me a lot as a player," he said.

"When the opportunity came up to come back and play football under him, I thought it was a great opportunity.

"I can't wait to get back playing. I keep myself well. That's one thing I pride myself on, working hard off the pitch, so I've been keeping busy, making sure that I'm ready for when I get the chance and hopefully that'll be soon."

Where do you think Dundee United need to strengthen this month to boost their top-six hopes?

The transfer window has been open a week and the only business at Tannadice has been the departure of goalkeeper Yevhen Kucherenko to Greek side Panetolikos.

Is another keeper a priority? Which other positions need strengthened? And who would you like brought in?

Tell us here.

Paul McNicoll
Fan writer

Bragging rights in Dundee have once again drifted over to the blue half of the city and unfortunately they're not due back until at least 14 March.

Yes, United did win at Dens in August, but for the third time in four derbies it's the Dees who get to do the gloating. Them's the rules and sadly we just have to take it on the chin.

So where did it all go wrong on Saturday? In short, pretty much everywhere. United didn't play well.

Whether it was the system, the formation, the tactics, the manager, the personnel, or a cocktail of all five, the end result was the same. A defeat.

Some will argue a draw might have been fair, but let's be honest, as painful as it is, Dundee deserved it. They could easily have been three up by half-time if their finishing hadn't been so charitable.

That the breakthrough came with the last kick of the first half felt more like delayed inevitability than bad luck.

Consistency continues to be United's biggest issue, and with the team changing more often than the Scottish weather, it's not hard to see why. Stability is hard to find when you're never quite sure who's starting from one week to the next. Regardless of previous results.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'd love to see United focus a bit more on how to hurt the opposition rather than worrying about how not to be hurt ourselves. Football, after all, does still involve scoring goals.

There have been highs this season, no doubt, but overall it's been a little underwhelming.

And letting your neighbours come into your own house, help themselves to all three points and then leave you with nothing but banter to endure? That's never good for morale, or the group chat.

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

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Goakeeper Yevhen Kucherenko has left Dundee United to join Greek Super League side Panetolikos FC on a permanent transfer.

The Ukrainian made 17 appearances for United but has not played since late November.

The 26-year-old started the campaign as Jim Goodwin's first-choice option, however he came out of the team following a calamitous display in a 3-0 defeat to Falkirk at Tannadice.

"Everyone at Dundee United extends their thanks to Yevhen for his services, as we wish him the very best of luck in his future endeavours," the club say.