Dundee United

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• Dundee United remain winless in seven Scottish Premiership games (D3 L4), the longest ongoing run of any side currently in the competition. They have scored just two goals from 94 shots and 8.35 xG in this period.

• Kilmarnock are the only side without a point in the 2026-27 Premiership. Their two games so far have featured 13 goals (four for, nine against), the second-most by any side in their opening two matches of a Scottish top-flight campaign in the 21st century, after Celtic's 14 in 2019-20 (12 for, two against).

• Dundee United have alternated between losing (five) and drawing (four) their past nine Premiership visits to Kilmarnock since a 4-2 win in May 2016.

• Kilmarnock are unbeaten in nine top-flight games against Dundee United (W5 D4) since a 4-0 defeat in November 2022 under Derek McInnes.

• Tom Lowery has four goal involvements (one goal, three assists) in his past five Premiership games, assisting a goal in both of Kilmarnock's league matches in 2026-27. The last Killie player to assist in three consecutive Scottish Premiership appearances was Chris Burke in December 2018.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

When a manager says "ultimately, it's all about results" and "I know the buck stops with me" it is generally a sign things aren't going well.

Those are quotes from Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin after his side's home derby defeat to Dundee on Saturday night.

The result continues a worrying start to the campaign for United.

Goodwin spoke about "key metrics" after the match - a quick look at some of them tells a strange story.

The positive aspect is in their last three games - against Dundee, Celtic and Hearts - United have mustered a healthy-looking 50 shots at goal.

Now comes the worrying part – only five of them have been on target.

So they have been creating chances, which is encouraging, but have massively struggled to work the opposition keeper.

Alarmingly, there are issues in defence too, with United conceding 10 goals in those three fixtures.

So there is clearly work to do at both ends of the park, a combination that will be of big concern to the United support.

In among all this, it should be noted Goodwin's side have been dealt a tough hand with their opening games.

It is also worth highlighting they kicked off their Premiership campaign with an impressive 1-1 draw against Rangers.

So we know the level of performance this United team is capable of reaching – the challenge is getting back to it, and soon. After three straight defeats, this weekend's trip to struggling Kilmarnock would be the perfect time to start.

Dundee United have made a six-figure bid for Falkirk midfielder Brad Spencer. (Daily Record, external)

Read the rest of Thursday's Scottish gossip.

Paul McNicoll
Fan writer

Dundee came into Tannadice last Saturday, made themselves right at home, put their feet on the table and helped themselves to whatever they fancied from the fridge. In short, they were comfortable.

Then, quite rightly, they took home what they came for. A thoroughly deserved three points.

It was a United performance that was bereft of anything really. It looked disjointed, aimless and if truth be told, feckless.

That is the third game running where the team have failed to score. Against Celtic the other week, I'll concede, that was down to misfortune given the woodwork was struck five times.

Hearts at Tynecastle and now Dundee at Tannadice have been far more concerning. We don't look like scoring and we sure as heck don't look capable of keeping clean sheets. That, as any football fan will tell you, is a recipe for disaster.

The pressure is now massively on Jim Goodwin as he prepares to negotiate Kilmarnock and Motherwell in the next two games. Two fixtures that have proven troublesome to his United teams in the recent past.

Rightly or wrongly, there is a section of United fans that have never taken to Goodwin. The way things are looking at present, that number will only grow.

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

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Dundee United midfielder Julius Eskesen has joined Kuopion Palloseura on loan, with the Finnish outfit obliged to make the deal permanent in January.

Eskesen signed for United from Norwegian top-flight side FK Haugesund in August last year and made 21 appearances in all competitions for the Tannadice side.

He scored two goals for the club, both against Falkirk.

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Former Dundee United defender Sean Dillon has made history by becoming the oldest outfield player in the SPFL era.

At the grand old age of 43 years and 16 days, Dillon broke Colin Cameron's record with an appearance off the bench for League One Montrose in a 3-0 defeat by Alloa on 15 August.

Dillon, who also has a coaching role at Links Park, said: "I'm genuinely delighted - it's a real honour.

"I know my playing time going forward won't be as regular as it's been in the past, but my plan is to keep going for as long as I enjoy it and I've no set date for retirement at this stage."

Speaking to BBC Scotland, he added: "It doesn't feel that long ago that I turned 35 and the lads were like 'you can play in the over 35s now' and we have kind of fast forwarded.

"The game has evolved a little bit and thankfully I have managed to keep myself ticking along.

"I never felt I was good enough. I never felt I was a really top player who could afford the luxury of not working hard or not being disciplined.

"So making sure everything I could possibly do to be ready on a Saturday or for training, that is still so important to me, the discipline side of things, working hard, making sure you are doing all the right things."

United fans, we asked for you opinions on the 2-0 derby defeat to Dundee. Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Ian: So disappointing again! It's all very well saying we're a team in transition and to have patience, but that seems to be the case every year. United are a terrible watch at the moment.

Dave: Every season there is one team who cannot put the ball in the net and give away cheap goals. They are the team that invariably gets relegated. Just saying.

Peter: This was a very disappointing game. A revamped squad meant a different starting 11, but where was the service to new point man Metsoko? No one seemed to know what to do with the ball once in striking range. Yoro and Randall were both wasteful.

The defence looked clueless. The manager says he doesn't have to change anything but I beg to differ if his tactics aren't going to continue be questioned. Camara had a decent game but you have to start Rose & Sapsford from here on in. They looked the part.

Wilf: If Jim Goodwin was at any other club, he would have been sacked long ago. Just look at his history in football management.

Scott: Grim stuff from United. Dundee showed the grit and determination it takes to win a derby match. Too many United players were well off it. There are some top quality youngsters that played in the early games this season with more talent and desire than some of the regulars. Someone once said "if you're good enough, you're old enough".

Unfortunately Jim Goodwin is reluctant to give them a chance in the Premiership though. Relegation battle for United this season.

Kenny: I have been a loyal and true supporter of United for well over 50 years and this has to be one of the worst United teams that I have ever seen. Goodwin talks about the 'group' - what group?

They are all basically a bunch of mercenaries who, individually, don't give a hoot about Dundee United and are just here to pick up their over-inflated wage packet.

Phil: I was critical of Goodwin last season but this isn't on him, we've played well in the last three games but we just can't find the net.

Eddie: Absolutely terrible, embarrassing performance after embarrassing performance. This manager is taking us backwards and simply has to go. We have signed some absolute guff and it's on him. He has absolutely no idea how to set up a team.

Watch the best of the action as Dundee travel to city rivals Dundee United for the first derby encounter of the Scottish Premiership season.

Match report: Dundee United v Dundee

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Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin admitted full responsbility for his side's current run of poor form, having lose lost their last three games in all competitions by a combined score of 10-0.

The latest defeat was the most damaging, a 2-0 defeat to Dundee at Tannadice in the derby, although Goodwin was quick to shield his players from criticism.

"I don't think the recent results are down to a lack of effort or a lack of commitment from any of the players," Goodwin said. "I've got to take responsibility on my shoulders. As the manager, I've signed all of these players, I've brought them in to Dundee United.

"I believe in every single one of them. If you look back on the key metrics that we analyse games by, I think you'll see that we've probably had the better of most situations in the last couple of games in particular, but we certainly don't have the results to show for that."

Kilmarnock are next up for United next week, the only side below them in the Premiership table after the opening couple rounds of fixtures.

"Law of averages would say if that continues going forward and we continue to have the better of all those metrics than the opponent, then the results will change with it," Goodwin added.

"That's what my message to the players has been after the game.

"We've got a huge game now next week. I know that this game, ultimately, it's all about results. As manager, I know the buck stops with me.

"Next Saturday is huge. We have to put a stop to this run of defeats and we have to try and make sure we get a win."

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "Another disappointing result.

"I could stand here and talk about all the key metrics that we'll look back on but the stat that matters most is that scoreline and I've ben in the game long enough to understand that.

"I thought we started the game brightly, made a mistake in the middle of the pitch and then Drey Wright hits an incredible strike.

"I felt we had a lot of momentum at the start of the second half but then we get the sucker punch from the corner.

"I believe in this group of players, some of the performances have been good and the results haven't reflected that.

"We've had the better of pretty much every key metric we judge a game by, unfortunately we haven't been able to keep a clean sheet and that's what it boils down to. We haven't been clinical enough, that's the bottom line and as manager it's my responsibility to make sure that changes.

"The law of averages, if you look back at the key stats then if we continue to have more of those opportunities and possession then law of averages would suggest the results will follow.

"Ultimately this game is all about results and our results in the last three games simply haven't been good enough.

"I think the fixtures have been extremely tough, we've played last year's top three teams in the opening three fixtures. I'm certainly not panicking. I know there's going to be a lot of criticism coming my way and it's deserved but I've still got belief and confidence in the group. I think we'lre doing a lot of good things during the week but the reality is that needs to come through at the weekend."

Drey Wright's stunning strike helped Dundee secure a Scottish Premiership derby victory at rivals Dundee United and extended an alarming start to the season for Jim Goodwin's side.

Have your say on the game

Read our match report

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United midfielder Dylan Tait is "buzzing" for his first Dundee derby and insists the fixture was one of the reasons he moved to Tannadice.

The 24-year-old joined from Falkirk in the summer and can't wait to experience one of Scottish football's biggest rivalries.

"I'm buzzing for it, I think it means so much to so many people," said Tait.

"People you speak to around the club, people I've spoken to that have played in these games, they say how good they are and I'm really looking forward to it.

"These games are all for the fans, and we just want to go out there and put on our best performance and give the fans something to get behind. A win on Saturday would be amazing.

"It's one of the reasons I joined the club, to play in these types of games and occasions.

"It'll be a really tough game, Dundee have started well. I've seen a few of their games and we've done our analysis on them.

"They've got good that can cause us problems, but also we can cause them problems."

United have endured a difficult start to the campaign - taking one point from their opening two Premiership games before exiting the League Cup to Celtic - but Tait believes their performances have been better than results suggest.

He was suspended for last weekend's defeat by Celtic but feels there have been plenty of positives to take from the opening fixtures.

"Box to box we've been good and we've been in the games," the 24-year-old said.

"We've had chances and I think it's just that wee last bit to go and be clinical and score goals and, obviously, at the other end keep it out.

"The games have probably been a bit harsh on the scorelines, but we've kind of put them to bed now.

"It's a big one on Saturday, so we're just trying to take the positives from the games and try to get a win."

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United will again be without Will Ferry (groin) but the full-back should be back for the following weekend.

Dundee could hand loan signing Bobby Wales a debut after Simon Murray was ruled out with cruciate ligament damage.

Midfielder Callum Jones could be fast-tracked into a comeback from ankle surgery while Imari Samuels is also back in training after a knee problem.

Ashley Hay (knee) remains out while Drey Wright is a doubt.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before his Dundee United side host Dundee in the derby at Tannadice on Saturday.

Here are the key lines:

• Will Ferry will miss the game after a scan revealed a small issue with his groin. The full-back could return next week and Goodwin insists the injury "certainly won't impact" a potential move away from Tannadice.

• Despite successive 4-0 defeats, there is "lots of positivity" at United and "no better time" to bounce back than a derby win.

• Goodwin says fans he has met "recognise what we're trying to do", adding: "They can see the improvements that have been made over the summer in terms of the recruitment. We're trying to change the system and the style of play completely. We have had a lot of positive passages of play within both the last couple of games, but unfortunately the results haven't reflected that."

• He wants United to be more clinical in attack and "defend better in certain situations".

• Goodwin remains unhappy with refereeing decisions in last weekend's defeat by Celtic, claiming the second goal should have been ruled out for handball and his side ought to have been awarded a penalty.

• The club have spoken to the SFA but the explanation "gave us more questions than answers", says Goodwin.

• Goodwin says the squad is now the strongest of his Tannadice reign and selection decisions are a "great headache to have".

• He praises opposite number Steven Pressley for doing a "terrific job" at Dundee, saying: "He's built a really good side. They're a good team, we respect them, but I've got to focus all my attention on my group of players and what we can do to cause them problems."

• The derby is the only Premiership game this weekend and Goodwin says: "It's going to be broadcast live on the TV. There'll be people all over the world watching it. It's going to be a great spectacle and hopefully we do enough on the day to come out on top."

• The Irishman is eyeing victory to kickstart United's campaign after a difficult first few matches and knows this game is "more significant than others" because of the rivalry.

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Bobby Wales is set to be thrust straight in for a debut in the Dundee derby at Tannadice on Saturday and has "a point to prove" after moving to Dens Park on loan, says Scott Allan.

Former Kilmarnock striker Wales, 21, is back in Scottish football after struggling to make the grade at Swansea City following his move last summer.

With Simon Murray out injured long term, can Wales recapture the form he showed at Killie?

"What you're starting to see with [manager] Steven Pressley is he's getting guys who understand Scotland," said Allan, who played for both Dundee and Unitd.

He added: "Wales has a lot of good aspects about his game. As a young player coming back, you'll have that point to prove you're going to be the talisman for this Dundee side. They're very well organised.

"It's ideal for a striker if you can win the ball high up, it means you only have to make one movement to get on the end of crosses and I certainly believe he's one of the strikers who, if given a chance, he can score."

Former Premiership striker Kris Doolan believes Dundee winger Joe Bevan has a big role to play.

"I like Joe. I saw him when he was 17, 18 when he was playing at Albion Rovers, before he went down south," said Doolan.

"A lot of clubs tried to sign him. He's developed physically. He'll be a huge player for them this year."

United are seeking to bounce back from successive 4-0 defeats to Hearts and Celtic, although they hit the woodwork four times in the latter loss.

"Dundee United just now, you have to create chances, you have to finish them," said Doolan.

"They do have goalscorers in their team, they do have good players in there.

"They're maybe still in that position where they're still trying to find that balance between attacking and not conceding lots of goals."

Listen to Dundee derby preview on the BBC's Scottish football podcast

• After their 3-0 victory in April, Dundee United could win successive Scottish Premiership games against rivals Dundee for the first time since January 2015.

• Dundee have won two of their past three top-flight visits to Tannadice (L1), as many as their previous 20 beforehand (W2 D11 L7).

• United are winless in six Premiership games (D3 L3), the longest ongoing run of any side currently in the competition.

• Since the start of May, only Celtic have more top-flight points (18) and wins (6) than Dundee (12 points, 4 wins).

• Across the opening two matches of this season's Premiership, Dundee have completed the fewest passes (493) and have the lowest passing accuracy (70.8%). Despite this, only three sides have recorded more shots than their 29.

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has spoken with midfielder Panutche Camara following the 29-year-old's recent social media outburst. (Record - subscription required, external)

Goodwin found Camara's post "very disappointing". (Courier - subscription required, external)

Thursday's Scottish gossip