Dundee United

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

Well, that was worth the wait.

After Paul's column last week, I pictured him at his desk surrounded by Simon Murray shrine decor, laminated humiliation and all.

Fast forward to Monday morning and it's a different scene entirely. Let's hope his artistic vision involved Zac Sapsford in full celebration mode and a two-goal reminder of who runs this city.

This derby had it all. Edge, noise and one team stepping up when it mattered.

To be fair, our rivals' fan column had some points - they absolutely did look tougher to beat in their opening games and Murray's derby record was real.

But football isn't played in columns. It's played on the grass which is exactly where United were sharper, hungrier and far more composed.

Our supposed set-piece vulnerability? Not on Sunday. That strong goal threat they spoke of? Not seen.

The players were superb, front to back. The defence? Rock solid. The midfield? In control. Sapsford? Clinical.

Natural order has been restored.

We go into the break with the bragging rights and the right to hum Beautiful Sunday with reckless abandon.

And Paul? He's finally got the chance to redecorate the office. I just hope he brought enough Blu Tack.

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

While some clubs frantically chased signings on deadline day, Dundee United were able to sit with their feet up.

Richard Odada departed Tannadice but the club's incoming business had all been completed, with 14 new recruits secured amid a squad overhaul.

Are you pleased with the club's transfer business? Does it leave the squad in good shape for the season ahead - or is Jim Goodwin light in certain positions?

Share your thoughts here.

Talks are ongoing for Dundee United to make Ivan Dolcek's loan move from Dunajska Streda permanent after the Croatian's impressive start to life at Tannadice. (Courier), external

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish gossip.

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Richard Odada has left Dundee United by mutual consent.

The Kenyan midfielder made only three league starts in his 13 appearances for Jim Goodwin's side.

Odada was on loan Serbian side OFK Beograd from February to the end of the 2024-25 season.

He joined United from MLS side Philadelphia Union last summer on a two-year deal with an option for a third, but now leaves to "pursue other opportunities", according to club media.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin appears set to be spending this deadline day with his feet up, watching on as the scramble for players continues elsewhere.

The club has been very busy this summer, bringing in 14 new arrivals.

On the evidence of what we have seen so far, they appear to have recruited well.

Satisfied with the work that has been done, United are unlikely to do any more business.

Ian: Apart from giving the ball away a few times, a relatively easy afternoon stroll. Glad we got that clean sheet at last.

Kenneth: Just what the doctor ordered. We are starting to look like a team to be reckoned with, even with a horrendous injury list. Well done, United.

Aaron: Don't think you'll get an easier derby win than that. Laughable from Dundee.

Matthew: Great to have Ross Graham and Zac Sapsford back. The latter and Ivan Dolcek look great together. Luca Stephenson looks like he's never been away. Added bonus was playing well without the inspirational Craig Sibbald. All in all, a beautiful Sunday!

George: Excellent result and good performance. Finally a clean sheet giving hope for the season ahead. Up front is very promising if we can keep clear of injuries. Given the Old Firm's start perhaps this is the season for another team to take the title. If so, why not us?

Calum: Could see a difference in the defence from the past few games - time on the training pitch was much needed. If we can get back to anything like we were like defensively last season while being more potent up front, it should lead to an exciting season.

Kenny Crawford
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Ivan Dolcek is delighted with the fast start he's made to life with Dundee United.

The Croatian forward lashed home a low volley in Sunday's 2-0 derby victory at Dens Park, taking him to four goals for the season.

"It was just a feeling that the ball would bounce in this area and I was there," he told BBC Scotland.

"I couldn't dream of it but every game I give 100% and if I'm lucky, I score.

"The most important thing is the win. I feel amazing and the atmosphere was very great from both sides.

"We're looking forward to new games to get more points."

The 25 year-old is on loan from Slovakian club Dunajska Streda and is settling into life in Dundee off the pitch, as well as on it.

"Most of the time it's cloudy and rainy but that's okay," said Dolcek. "I have my wife here so that makes life easier."

Watch highlights from Dundee United's derby victory over Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.

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A dominant Dundee United secured their first Scottish Premiership win of the season as they edged a blunt and disjointed Dundee side, who remain winless in the top flight after the Tayside derby.

Read the match report here.

Give us your thoughts on the game.

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "We're delighted with the result, it's exactly what we wanted. The clean sheet was really important as well.

"I don't think we've defended terribly from open play up to now, set plays have cost us in a number of the games that we've been involved in.

"But today we showed that over the last couple of weeks, with that break that we've had, we've been able to spend a bit more time on the training pitch and go through the shape of the team without the ball and obviously spent a lot of time working on our set-play setup.

"And today I thought the boys were excellent.

"The overall performance was really pleasing from back to front, showed good composure, good bravery on the ball at times to play our way out of trouble and scored a couple of really good goals as far as we're concerned.

"I think the recruitment that we've done in the summer, now I certainly can't take all the credit, we've got a really good recruitment department headed up by Ross Goodwin.

"I give Ross the profiles of these players that I'm looking for, and he goes out and identifies them, and then between us all we make the decision on the ones we want to go with.

"I couldn't be any more pleased in terms of those decisions that we've made up to now.

"The front player scoring goals and the back lads keeping a clean sheet today, it's a really good combination."

The Scottish transfer window closes at 23:00 BST on Monday 1 September so there's still time for business to be done.

What do Dundee United need to do before the window slams shut?

Have your say here

Amy Canavan
BBC Sport Scotland

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For some, the real derby of the weekend is at Dens Park. It needs no introduction.

If Sunday's edition is anything like the last Dundee derby - when the Dark Blues won at Tannadice in March for the first time since 2004 - we are in for a treat.

Then guided by Tony Docherty, Dundee stunned their neighbours with an astounding first-half performance that had them three goals to the good.

How new head coach Steven Pressley would love for that to be replicated at Dens this weekend.

Despite an atrocious start, former United defender Pressley appears to have steadied the ship with back-to-back draws at Ibrox and Rugby Park.

A first home win for Pressley, particularly one against their neighbours, would provide "an enormous lift" and be something of a statement, given many predicted he would be given his jotters by now.

But, perhaps more importantly of all, it would provide bragging rights down Tannadice Street, with the Dark Blues eyeing three successive wins against Jim Goodwin's new-look side.

Some might say this is the real baptism of fire for many of Goodwin's summer recruits.

How many have walked up the road for a game before?

Tangerine fans will be hoping striker Zac Sapsford is one of those making the jaunt up the hill.

The Australian sustained an ankle injury as United exited the Conference League against Rapid Vienna and, despite being set for up to four weeks out, Goodwin said the club are "giving him every chance" to make the derby.

Given the raft of changes in both ranks, the early-season encounter and the search for both sides' first win of the league season, a belter is surely on its way.

Read more: Weekend's Scottish Premiership picks

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Dundee add new signing Ethan Hamilton to their squad after the midfielder's arrival from Lincoln earlier this week.

Paul Digby remains out with a calf injury and Charlie Reilly is back training after a broken collarbone but is not ready.

United's 14th summer signing, Nikolaj Moller who joined from St Gallen, goes into Jim Goodwin's squad.

They remain without Ryan Strain, Isaac Pappoe (both knee), Kristijan Trapanovski, Ross Graham, Max Watters (all hamstring) and Zac Sapsford (ankle).

Manager Jim Goodwin has vowed that Dundee United will demand top dollar for their prize assets after knocking back an offer for midfielder Will Ferry from Vancouver Whitecaps. (The Courier), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin is urging his side to "get back to winning ways" starting with Sunday's derby at Dens Park.

With just one point from their opening two Premiership fixtures, Goodwin knows it's vital for his team to pick up all three points this weekend if they want to emulate the success of last term.

"We're all looking forward to it," the 43-year-old said.

"The new guys are really looking forward to it because these types of game are the attraction of coming to Scotland.

"We put a presentation together to show the new signings the atmosphere at games like the Dundee derby and they were all pleasantly surprised at how well the supporters turned out and how hostile the atmosphere can be.

"All players are desperate to be involved in games like that and Sunday will be no different."

United have lost the previous two derbies and face a Dundee side now helmed by Steve Pressley.

"There's a lot on the line for the players and for Steven [Pressley] and myself," Goodwin added.

"For the supporters who all want to go to work on Monday morning with the bragging rights.

"We need to get back to winning ways. we've had a really good week's training and there's a real air of excitement building up to this big game.

"I think it's equally important for both teams to get those three points. If we want to go on and have the success we had last season, we need to get back to winning ways."

Goodwin admitted United supporters shouldn't expect to see any more arrivals before Monday night's transfer deadline.

"I think we're pretty much done now," he said.

"The injuries have made us question one or two areas of the squad but given the business we've done, bringing 14 players in, I've got to be grateful to the board and all of the people involved for helping us get the deals over the line.

"Once everyone is back and available we've got a group of players that can really go and challenge in this league."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Sunday's derby against Dundee.

Here are the main points:

• The United boss suggests the Tannadice injury crisis is just down to "bad luck" but admits it's the "most bad luck" he's had as a manager.

• Goodwin hails United's "exceptional" transfer window but is "frustrated" at not having all those players available. He admits the club are "pretty much done" with new arrivals.

• Reflecting on the Rapid Vienna defeat, Goodwin says it was a great experience to play in Europe but "really demanding" on his squad.

• Goodwin adds he's frustrated that "we'll never know how well we might have done if we'd had opportunities to rotate the squad".

• The boss says the new players are really looking forward to Sunday's derby and "desperate to be involved".

• He is urging his players to "show passion and desire" on Sunday and stresses the squad know what's expected of them.

• With just one point from the opening two Premiership games United "need to get back to winning ways" with a derby victory.

• The 43-year-old is "really pleased" to add "very, very good player" Nikolaj Moller, who can "fill the void" up front while they wait for Max Watters to return.

• On the injury front, "guys in the treatment room" are working really hard to be back to full fitness but this weekend comes "too soon" for several of the injured players.

Image source, SNS

• After their 4-2 victory in March, Dundee could win back-to-back derbies against United in the top flight for the first time since November 2004 under Jim Duffy.

• There have been 17 goals in the past four Scottish Premiership meetings between Dundee (nine goals) and United (eight goals), an average of 4.3 per game.

• Dundee have only won one of their past 12 home league games (D4 L7), a 2-0 victory over St Mirren in April.

• Dundee United have won just one of their past seven league matches (D1 L5), beating Aberdeen 2-1 on the final day of last term.

• Dundee have both had the fewest shots (15) and faced the most shots (47) of any side in the Scottish Premiership this season so far.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

For all there was to like about Jim Goodwin's Dundee United last season, they were only able to muster one win from four derbies.

Refreshed after a weekend off, they will be desperate to prevail at Dens Park on Sunday in the first Dundee derby of this campaign.

For the fans, getting the bragging rights is hugely important. But this game is about the bigger picture.

Injury-hit United have taken one point from their opening two league games and Goodwin knows the importance of getting a win sooner rather than later.

In fact his team are without victory in five games in all competitions while shipping an alarming haul of 11 goals, although he has had to contend with an eye-watering injury list.

It is early days in the campaign, and things can change very quickly, but this is a hugely important fixture.

A victory at the home of your neighbours would be the perfect launchpad to kick on and get a positive run going.

Oh and it would also secure those bragging rights, for a few months anyway.

Paul McNicoll
Fan writer

We're still in August, the sun is shining and autumn is right around the corner, but already derby week has crept up on us like that takeaway curry that you swore was mild.

For United's new players, this is baptism of fire. Forget easing yourself into Scottish football with a comfy game against Brechin (no offence Brechin).

No, you're marched into battle up Tannadice Street, trying not to get clipped by an Asda delivery van, before heading straight into the cauldron of Dens.

Dundee, of course, have the bragging rights from the last two derbies. And while those games weren't exactly played in black-and-white television days, it still feels like two completely different teams lining up this time.

United's squad turnover has been drastic. Fourteen new players have come in, but most have looked very good, albeit in the small sample size we have seen of them.

Dundee haven't stood still either. From the outside it looks like they've plugged the holes in their defence, but possibly at the cost of the attacking swagger that made them relatively entertaining last season.

United, on the other hand, have built a team that, on paper, looks like it could thrill once everyone's fit. But while we've added some flair, we seem to have also developed a defensive frailty that wasn't really in the script.

Basically, we've gone from Fort Knox to a garden shed with a dodgy padlock in about three months.

Which makes this derby utterly impossible to call. It could go any way - a scrappy 0–0, a six-goal thriller, or a bizarre 3-2 where the winner goes in off someone's backside in the 94th minute.

And let's not kid ourselves on, this is worth more than three points. This is about bragging rights, dignity, reputation and, in my case, whether or not my desk on Monday morning looks like a shrine to Simon Murray.

After the last two defeats, I shuffled into the office to find my workstation plastered with his face. It was on my keyboard, taped to my monitor, even laminated on to my chair.

I couldn't even look at the guy without hearing my colleagues' muffled giggles from behind their screens.

So, please, footballing gods, let this be the week when I get to channel my inner Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. Let me be the one choosing the wallpaper, carefully selecting pictures of United's goalscorers, artistically arranging them across the office like I'm on Changing Rooms: Banter Edition.

It's my turn to redecorate. It's my turn to gloat. It's my turn to casually hum Beautiful Sunday as I refill the communal kettle.

Just one win, lads, that's all I ask. Just one.

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

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Kai Fotheringham has joined St Johnstone from Dundee United for an undisclosed fee.

United say "the deal also includes performance-based add ons and a sizeable sell-on fee".

The Scotland Under-21 forward, 22, made his United debut in October 2020 and has made 123 senior appearances, which includes games on loan at Falkirk, Raith Rovers, Cove Rangers and Stirling Albion. Fotheringham has scored 21 club goals.

He joins a St Johnstone side top of the Scottish Championship after three league wins out of three.

Image source, Getty Images

New Dundee United striker Nikolaj Moller is a "terrific physical profile" who is "perfectly suited to the combative nature" of Scottish football, says manager Jim Goodwin.

The Swedish forward has arrived from Swiss top-flight side St Gallen on an initial two-year deal, with a club-held option of an additional year.

A former Arsenal, Bologna and Malmo youth player, the 23-year-old spent last season on loan at Stromsgodset in Norway, scoring five goals in 24 games.

"He's more than just a traditional target man," Goodwin said of his new recruit, who scored once in 23 games for St Gallen.

"He has the rare blend of height, technical ability and raw pace, which allows him to play with his back to goal and link the game, or stretch opposition defences with selfless runs into the channels.

"These attributes gave him the opportunity to learn within some elite footballing environments during his formative years, and he's a more well-rounded player thanks to those experiences.

"At just 23, Nikolaj has already tested himself across numerous European countries, all with different cultures on and off the park - that speaks volumes about his adaptability and ambition.

"We believe Tannadice is the right environment for him to settle, develop further and showcase his talents at senior level."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

New arrival Ivan Dolcek is already impressing at Dundee United.

The Croatian winger, who joined from Slovakian side Dunajska Streda on a season-long loan in July, has made an instant impact with three goals in two league games to sit joint top of the Premiership goal chart.

A delve into the Opta data illustrates his potency. Dolcek's xG (expected goals) is just 0.88, highlighting his lethal finishing, and the 25-year-old tucked away the one 'big chance' that came his way.

He is averaging a goal every 59.7 minutes and has also scored all three of his shots on target, while having just nine touches in the opposition box.

The winger, who can also operate at left-back, is proving his defensive abilities too. Only Panutche Camara and Miller Thomson have a better tackle success rate than Dolcek. He has also won possession nine times - only Craig Sibbald and Camara have a higher tally.

With the games coming thick and fast there will be plenty more opportunities for Dolcek to showcase his abilities at both ends of the pitch.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

A tired and injury-hit Dundee United squad have a weekend off as their scheduled opponents Aberdeen focus on European commitments instead - a blessing in disguise for Jim Goodwin.

First and foremost, the break provides a little spell of respite amid what has been a frantic start to United's campaign.

It also gives manager Jim Goodwin time to step back and reflect on the start his new-look side have made.

There has been a lot to like so far, particularly their impressive - if ultimately unsuccessful - showings against Rapid Vienna on the continental stage. But there will also be cause for concern.

In their last five matches, across all competitions, United have conceded 11 goals.

There are some mitigating circumstances, the main one being the selection problems which have dogged the early stages of their season. Even so, it is going to be very difficult for the Tangerines to win games if they continue to lose goals at that rate.

Goodwin must find a way of plugging those leaks at the back. If he can, then there is absolutely no reason at all why his team cannot go on and enjoy another fine campaign.

If he can't, then a season which promises plenty could turn into a real slog.