Dundee United

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland at Tannadice

Image source, SNS

Striker Zac Sapsford says it was "a great feeling" to score the winning goal against UNA Strassen on his Dundee United debut at an "incredible" Tannadice.

The Australian finished sharply two minutes after the break to clinch victory in the Conference League second qualifying round first leg.

Sapsford, who arrived on a three-year deal from Western Sydney Wanderers this summer, revealed his mum was over from Australia to watch his debut strike.

"It was a good game. A tough game, to be fair," Sapsford said.

"We're disappointed we didn't make it two, three, or four heading to Luxembourg. 1-0 isn't too bad so we can hopefully go there and finish the job.

"I'm a striker, I love scoring goals and go get a winner is a great feeling but there's more work to do in Luxembourg.

"It was incredible [Tannadice]. Everyone told me it's amazing. I had goosebumps walking out hearing the fans scream.

"I've honestly never heard a stadium like that, it was crazy."

United fans, were you at the game on Thursday night or following the action from home? Either way we want your views on the game.

How are you feeling about the away leg? What did you make of the new signings?

Have your say

Image source, SNS

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "We're pleased with the clean sheet, scored a really good goal but I think there's certain elements we need to do better.

"I thought we turned over possession far too cheaply at times but I thought defensively we were very very good. There were moments in the game we need to improve. We've left a couple of goals out there at least, Vicko Sevelj has a great chance in the first half, Owen Stirton is unlucky in the second half, the goalkeeper made a good save.

"I would certainly rather be sitting here with a three-goal advantage. At 1-0 it's still very much game on.

"The disappointment is more the fact that we didn't do ourselves justice in the second half in terms of our possession on the ball. We were too sloppy, that's something we'll try and improve.

"It's the first opportunity for the players to play in front of a near enough full house. We've had a terrific pre-season, we've played some really really good football in all of the games we've been involved in and we'll learn from tonight's fixture.

"I don't mean to sound all doom and gloom I'm just a little bit disappointed we didn't make the tie a little bit more comfortable for ourselves for taking one or two of those chances.

"There are certainly positives we can take but there's a hell of a lot we need to do better at.

"The squad, if everybody is fit, is really strong. Tonight we tried to make a sub to freshen things up and get Max Watters on the pitch and within a few minutes he takes a really sore one on the knee so we'll need to assess that. It would be unlikely for us to have any new signings in before the next game."

Image source, Getty Images

UNA Strassen earned their chance of Conference League qualification thanks to a second-placed Luxembourg National Division finish last term - making it the best campaign in the club's 103-year history.

This is just their second tie in European competition, having lost 5-0 on aggregate to Finnish side Kuopion Palloseura (KuPS) last July.

Brazilian forward Matheus was the top flight's leading scorer last term, netting 23 times in 30 appearances.

French duo Zachary Hadji and Nicholas Perez scored 11 and nine respectively as they finished 18 points adrift of champions FC Differdange 03.

"Technically, they look a good team," said Goodwin. "They look well coached as well, there's a real understanding in their patterns of play."

Average attendances for the National Division are just over 400 but the game has come a long way since Chelsea thrashed Jeunesse Hautcharage 21-0 over two legs in 1971.

Dudelange stunned Salzburg in 2012, Differdange eliminated Utrecht in 2013 and, of course, Rangers fell to an infamous Europe League qualifying defeat to Progres Niederkorn four years later.

Dudelange became the first team from Luxembourg to go beyond the qualifiers, getting to the group phase of the Europa League in 2019-20.

Image source, SNS

Newly-appointed captain Ross Graham is a "big loss" to Dundee United after being ruled out for three months following hamstring surgery, says manager Jim Goodwin.

Academy graduate Graham, 24, was appointed skipper of his boyhood club this week, but will be sidelined until late October.

Goodwin admitted the defender has had a recurring injury over the past 10 months and it "affected him greatly" in the second half of last season.

The latest setback came in the friendly with Oldham Athletic on Sunday.

Goodwin, speaking before Thursday's Conference League qualifier first leg against UNA Strassen at Tannadice, said: "He's seen some specialists and had surgery to the hamstring.

"Hopefully, over the next two to three months, he will make a complete recovery. He will be back and available to play for us somewhere around the end of October.

"It's a big loss for us as a group. Particularly for myself having made him club captain."

Graham is the first homegrown captain of the club this century and although he won't be on the pitch, Goodwin is adamant he'll still have an impact on the squad.

"He's a local lad," he added. "He knows what the club means to the supporters and he's able to relay that message to all of the players.

"As much as he's not going to be out there with us on the pitch for a considerable period of time, his presence will still be felt within the dressing room.

"He'll continue to encourage the players and drive them on to success."

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before the first leg of Dundee United's Conference League second round qualifying tie against UNA Strassen on Thursday night.

Here are the key points from the Tannadice boss:

• Goodwin says United are "very confident" and "have a lot of belief" within the group of progressing from this "massive yet difficult" tie.

• The manager admitted United are "heavy favourites on paper" but "haven't been planning for the game with that mindset".

• He says there is "a little bit of added pressure" because "we all want Scottish teams to be successful in Europe".

• Ross Graham, who was named the new United captain this week, has had hamstring surgery and will be out until "around the end of October".

• The defender will be "a big loss" but it was "an easy decision" for Goodwin to give him the armband.

• The manager thanked his analyst who did the "difficult job" of finding footage of Strassen. The team from Luxembourg are "well coached, technically look good and have a real understanding in their patterns of play".

• Having made 11 signings so far this summer, Goodwin expects to add "a couple" more new recruits in the next few weeks, but stressed that because of the "good business" done early in the window, it is "not panic station".

We asked for your views on Dundee United's potential next opponents in Europe, should they dispatch UNA Strassen.

Progress as expected and Jim Goodwin's side will take on either Decic of Montenegro or Rapid Vienna of Austria.

Here's how some of you reacted:

Gary: Will take that. Goodwin has built a good squad. We have a solid team at the back. Onwards and upwards. Could have been worse, AZ Alkmaar were next out of the hat.

John: Hoping it is Rapid Vienna should we progress. Would be difficult but a great away trip experience.

George: A tie against Rapid would evoke memories of the great European nights at Tannadice. Sure, it would be a tough draw but that would make victory over the two legs all the sweeter. And if we lose on aggregate? Well, it's not one we'd be expected to win. All of this is predicated on beating UNA Strassen, of course.

Ross: Personally, would like to enjoy the fixture we are guaranteed before we start getting ahead of ourselves. Would be amazing to be involved in another tie, but let's just enjoy what is in front of us.

Matthew: Rapid would likely be the tougher opponent if we get through. However, like every competition you enter, you enter believing you can win. So crack on United, let no team scare us.

Clive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Dundee United will be kicking themselves if they do not at least reach the Conference League third qualifying round.

It is nearly 40 years since the Tannadice club followed up their place in the European Cup last-four by reaching the Uefa Cup final.

They have failed to win a European tie in six attempts since their last win - against Principat of Andorra in 1997 - and they languish at 238th in the current rankings.

However, that is still 166 places above opponents Strassen, who have only ever played one other tie in European competition - when they lost 5-0 to Finnish side Kuopion Palloseura (KuPS) after a goalless draw at home in last season's first qualifying round.

Arno Bonvini's side have since finished runners-up in their domestic league - their best-ever performance - but they are a squad without notable names, with six summer exits being replaced with six additions, all from within Luxembourg.

Jim Goodwin's United ought to progress, but Rapid Vienna, who reached the Conference League quarter-finals last season, or Decic, who won the Montenegrin title two seasons ago, lie in wait.

Celtic will at least drop to the Europa League and Aberdeen to the Conference League if they lose their play-off ties, but the other clubs three face a rocky road to follow them into the league stages on what Scotland's Coefficient fears is a European "cliff edge".

Read the full European round up

Image source, SNS

"He's grown with us, he's fought for us, and now he'll lead us."

"Natural leader" Ross Graham has been appointed captain of his boyhood team Dundee United.

The academy graduate, who signed his first professional contract seven years ago, is the first homegrown captain of the club this century.

He spent time on loan at Elgin City, Cove Rangers and Dunfermline Athletic developing, before returning to United and becoming a crucial figure in the backline.

Manager Jim Goodwin says defender Graham - who will be assisted by vice-captain Will Ferry - "embodies everything we want this football club to represent".

"He's a natural leader, both on and off the pitch," Goodwin said.

"Ross embodies everything we want this football club to represent - resilience, passion, and a deep-rooted connection with our identity.

"Ross understands the responsibility that comes with wearing the armband, and, with the unwavering support of Will and the rest of the squad I have no doubts he'll thrive in this role.

"He's grown with us, he's fought for us, and now he'll lead us."

It's a moment Graham, 24, has dreamed off since he was a wee boy walking up to Tannadice and the former Scotland Under-21 international believes he is "the right man" to lead his club forward.

"It's a true honour to take on this role," he said. "I've dreamed of this moment since I was coming to Tannadice as a boy.

"You don't often see players coming through an academy then going on to captain the club, so I'm incredibly proud that I've managed to do that.

"There have been highs and lows along the way but my hard work through the years has paid off.

"I know the club inside out and what it means to our supporters so I feel I'm the right man for the job."

Image source, Getty Images

Dundee United have learned who they will face should they defeat Luxembourg minnows UNA Strassen in their Conference League second qualifying round tie.

Progress as expected and Jim Goodwin's side will take on either Decic of Montenegro or Rapid Vienna of Austria.

Rapid finished fifth in the Bundesliga last season and are strong favourites to progress through the second qualifying round against Decic, who placed fourth in their domestic top-flight.

Dundee United fans, how do you feel about the draw? Give us your take here.

Image source, SNS

Assuming Dundee United defeat Luxembourg minnows UNA Strassen, they have five potential opponents in the Conference League's third qualifying round...

Dečić (Montenegro) or Rapid Vienna (Austria), Cherno More (Bulgaria) or İstanbul Başakşehir (Turkey), Sheriff Tiraspol (Moldova) or Utrecht (Netherlands), Radnički 1923 (Serbia) or KÍ Klaksvík (Faroe Islands), and Pyunik (Armenia) or Győr (Hungary).

Image source, SNS

Dundee United will discover the full extent of an injury suffered by defender Ross Graham next week, says manager Jim Goodwin.

The 24-year-old centre-back has reportedly, external sustained a hamstring issue and Goodwin is awaiting news from specialists.

Speaking after his side's pre-season draw with Oldham on Sunday, Goodwin told United's club media: "The only negative aspect [of pre-season] has been the injury to Ross Graham.

"We'll find out the full extent of that in the early part of next week when we get opinions back from the specialists.

"The other injuries [in the squad] are normal at this time of the season. Jort van der Sande should be back in contention in the next couple of weeks."

The competitive action starts on Thursday for United in the first leg of their Conference League second-round qualifier against UNA Strassen.

The Tannadice side are heavy favourites in the tie, but Goodwin says they "won't underestimate" the outfit from Luxembourg.

Image source, SNS

Dundee United ended their pre-season preparations with a goalless draw against English League Two side Oldham.

New loan signings Max Watters and Ivan Dolcek were handed debuts off the bench at Tannadice, but the new faces could not inspire the hosts to victory against the fourth-tier visitors, who are managed by ex-United boss Micky Mellon.

The competitive action starts on Thursday for Jim Goodwin's men, who welcome UNA Strassen of Luxembourg in the first leg of their Conference League second-round qualifier.

Image source, Getty Images

Jim Goodwin and Dundee United supporters may owe a thanks to Vicko Sevelj as the Croatian "sold" the club and city to countryman and newly-signed winger Ivan Dolcek.

Dolcek, 25, is United's 10th signing of the summer and arrives on a season-long loan from Slovak side Dunajska Streda to "help the team and enjoy football".

The Croatia Under-23 international, who despite being able to play on both wings says he is more "comfortable" on the right, played alongside United midfielder Sevelj at Hajduk Split in their homeland.

"He sold the story to me very well," Dolcek told club media.

"Yeah, he's very satisfied here and he told me everything about the club, about the city, about the league. The league is very good.

"He's a very good guy and I see he's very successful here. He plays good football, so I'm very excited to meet him again."

Dolcek revealed manager Goodwin laid out "a very clear mission" upon his arrival.

"He was very clear about what he expects from me and I'm here to help the team and enjoy football," he said.

"We have one mission - to play good football, to make good results, to win the games, every game to go for the win, and I think the coach as well was very clear about it. It's the most important thing.

"I hope we make big results, good results and that we qualify for the Conference League and everything.

"So I expect another good season like you had last season, nothing less."

Image source, SNS

Aberdeen have exercised their right to postpone their Premiership match against Dundee United, which fell in between the two legs of their Europa League play-off.

Jimmy Thelin's side were due to travel to Tannadice on Saturday, 23 August but have successfully requested it be postponed after the SPFL board agreed the rule change in April.

Previously, postponements had to be agreed by both clubs, but now a team playing in Europe can unilaterally delay a game.

The Dons will learn their European opponents on 4 August, while the new date of their match against United will be decided once the European league phase draws are confirmed.

Meanwhile, the first two Dundee derbies of the league season are to be televised. Premier Sports will show the first at Dens Park on Sunday, 31 August (kick-off 14:00 BST) then the New Year derby at Tannadice will be on Sky Sports on Saturday, 3 January (15:00 GMT).

Dundee United are closing in on the loan capture of 26-year-old Barnsley striker Max Watters. (The Courier, external - subscription required)

Dundee United are closing in on the signing of winger Ivan Dolcek on a season-long loan from Dunajska Streda with an option to buy the 25-year-old. (Daily Record), external

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, SNS

Manager Jim Goodwin was satisfied with his Dundee United side's display in a pre-season draw at St Johnstone.

Summer signing Bert Esselink opened the scoring for Goodwin's men in the first half before Saints forward Makenzie Kirk found a leveller after the break.

The United boss was keen to focus on his team's performance in the opening period, saying there were "really good passages of play" from his players.

"You can see what we're trying to achieve in terms of how we want to play," Goodwin added.

"We played our way out of trouble, breaking lines into midfield, and were able to attack at pace in the wide areas.

"Second half we made a lot of changes and there was a lot of inexperience out there. The game panned out how we thought it would."

Image source, Luke Bain/Dundee United

Krisztián Keresztes has joined Dundee United on a season-long loan from Hungarian top-flight club Nyíregyháza Spartacus, with his new team manager expecting the "colossal six-foot-five" centre-half to be an asset in the Scottish Premiership.

United have an option to buy the 25-year-old, who made 19 starts and six substitute appearances as Nyíregyháza finished eighth of 12 teams last season.

"He has an ideal physical profile to thrive in the Scottish Premiership - he stands at a colossal six-foot-five and has the mobility to cover ground quickly, step into midfield and recover on the transition," United boss Jim Goodwin told his club website.

"The statistics also underline his dominance in the air - a vital asset given the importance of both attacking and defensive set-pieces in this division.

"Beyond his physical attributes, he reads the game exceptionally well, often positioning himself ahead of danger rather than reacting to it. That anticipation, combined with his track record of success in leadership roles, will bring added authority to our defensive unit."

United stress that Keresztes had assumed the captaincy many times during a career that began in his homeland with Haladas, Ajka, Sarvar, Sopron, Dorog and Győr before joining Slovakian club Dunajska Streda in February 2024 and returning to Hungary in August.

Nyíregyháza sports director Tivadar Fekete told his club website that a similar option to buy arrangement had proven successful for them with left-back Barnabás Nagy's January move to Ferencváros.

Keresztes, who is under contract with Nyíregyháza until 2027, is excited by "what awaited me in Scotland", saying: "I can feel what football means to the people living here.

"I would like to test myself at this level. It is not often that you can play against Champion League-level teams like Celtic or Rangers."

Keresztes is also relishing the challenge of trying to progress through Conference League qualifying.

We asked if you would like to see Luca Stephenson make a return to Dundee United this summer after the versatile 21-year-old started pre-season with Liverpool.

Here's what some of you said:

Gordon: It's great to see Luca starting for Liverpool. He was excellent for United last year and I'd welcome him back this year. Come back and join the European surge.

Kevin: Would love to see Luca back with us. I'd also like to see us try and link in with Liverpool for other talented young players over the next few seasons.

Oleksa: Of course we would, either on loan or preferably on a permanent deal. He can play right-back, right wing-back, left-back, midfield and now centre-half. His ability, application and attitude means he will develop into a top class player. Centre-mid and captain may be his future outcome. Liverpool will probably keep him, however we can only hope. At least we got to watch and develop a future star. Well done to United, they are still a great club for developing talent. Luca reminded me of Andy Robertson at United, all the very best to him, and of course surely a good decision would be to return to United for another development season!

Jamie: An absolute grafter of a player, with an amazing ability to pop up in the right place to score important goals. Will be shocked to see him return to Tannadice. Could easily do a job for an English Championship team and would be on wages United can only dream of offering.

Matthew: Liverpool would want him to get a bit of European action. Perhaps they can release him for another season with an option to recall in January if we don't make the league phase.

Image source, Getty Images

The loan signing of winger Amar Fatah is a "real coup" for Dundee United, insists manager Jim Goodwin, who is thrilled with the 21-year-old's "tremendous pedigree".

Fatah made his debut for AIK at 17, with the Stockholm club selling him to Troyes in France for €5m (£4.3m) in the summer of 2022.

He has since spent a season-and-a-half in Belgium with Lommel and was at Dutch club Willem last term as 17 of his 22 Eredivisie appearances came from the bench.

"A player who thrives in one-versus-one scenarios, we feel Amar will excite our supporters with his pace, creativity and quality in the final third," said Goodwin.

"We also believe we have cultivated the perfect environment and culture for him to develop even further, and we're eager to help him take the next step in his journey whilst simultaneously strengthening Dundee United."

Fatah is a Sweden Under-21 international and had the opportunity to train with Manchester City last summer, with the Premier League club holding a majority stake at Ligue 2 Troyes.

"The signing of Amar represents a real coup for the club - he's a player who arrives with tremendous pedigree despite his youth," added Goodwin.

"He's had extensive experience playing in the Dutch, Swedish and French top flights, and had the chance to learn from some of the world's best players during his time training with Pep Guardiola's Man City. That kind of exposure at such a formative stage in his career speaks volumes about his ability."