Dundee United

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

After the high of finishing fourth in last season's Scottish Premiership, expectations for what Dundee United could achieve this time around would undoubtedly have risen.

They have fallen below those expectations this season after missing out on a top-six spot. However, if you take a step back and look at the bigger picture, there still appears to be plenty for United to be optimistic about.

After spending an unwelcome campaign in the second tier the season before last, re-establishing and cementing their place in the top division remains the immediate short-to-medium-term goal.

Currently seventh in the table - a hefty 15 points above the relegation play-off place - they have once again secured their Premiership status with relative ease.

The performances haven't always been convincing and there have been a few bumps in the road, but generally things appear to be heading in the right direction.

Manager Jim Goodwin will look to continue that development next term. The longer they remain in the Premiership, the better equipped they will feel to steadily challenge for a place in the top half of the table - where they believe they ultimately belong.

Making sure they are not dragged into a relegation battle is therefore a key part of building for the future.

Overall, Goodwin has done a good job at United, with smart recruitment being central to that progress. He is already planning for next season, with several players lined up to arrive in the summer.

Hanging on to his best players will also be a priority - and wide man Will Ferry falls firmly into that category.

Ferry delivered a standout performance in United's 3-0 derby win over Dundee at the weekend, scoring twice and setting up the other goal.

After the game, Goodwin described him as arguably "one of the best signings this club has made for a number of windows".

He also said he would not be surprised if there was interest from elsewhere in the player, who still has a year left on his United contract.

It will be interesting to see how United handle any tempting offers that may come in.

Unless they are offered silly money, you can make a strong case that the value of keeping Ferry - given his importance to the team - exceeds the financial return from any sale.

But, to use the well-worn football trope, every player has his price. The ideal solution for United would be to persuade Ferry to sign a new contract.

Manager Jim Goodwin has confirmed that Dundee United are keen to secure the permanent signing of Krisztian Keresztes if they can afford to take up the option on buying the defender from Hungarian outfit Nyiregyhaza Spartacus. (The Courier - subscription required), external

Paul McNicoll
Fan writer

Dundee United fans have long had a soft spot for the song Beautiful Sunday. As it turns out, they picked a good one to live up to the name.

For the final time this season the city rivals squared off. For United, it was all about bragging rights and finishing above them yet again, pretty standard business really.

For the other lot, it was slightly more pressing, their top-flight survival depended on it. No pressure.

United are floating in an end-of-season limbo. Too good to go down, not quite consistent enough to play in the top six, just trying to nail down seventh place and call it a day.

The visitors arrived with big claims. A multi-million-pound centre-half in the making, a supposedly in-demand goalkeeper and a tactical system dubbed 'Pressleyball'.

We've had tiki-taka and gegenpressing, but this sounds more like something you'd play on the beach on your holidays.

So how did United cope? Pretty well, actually.

The first half was classic derby fare, scrappy, tense and not exactly one for the purists.

The breakthrough came in gloriously chaotic fashion. Zac Sapsford fired a shot that was heading somewhere in the general direction of goal, only for Will Ferry, seated on the turf, to unintentionally intervene.

The ball bounced off his knee and trickled in off the post. The highly sought-after keeper? Rooted. Possibly still processing what he'd just witnessed.

The second half followed a familiar script, a bit of early pressure from the visitors, lots of huffing, puffing and not much else.

Then Ferry, clearly deciding one accidental goal wasn't enough for his highlight reel, picked up a pass from Vicko Sevelj, took a touch and absolutely rifled one in from the edge of the box. The keeper, once again, opted for a front-row viewing experience.

At 2-0 in a derby, nerves are inevitable (recent memories at Dens still sting), so the obvious solution? Score a third.

Ferry wasn't done. He danced down the byeline, thoroughly embarrassed his marker and floated in a perfect cross for Ryan Strain to bag his first goal for the club. Judging by the celebration, it's fair to say he enjoyed it. As for the keeper, well, let's just say he remained consistent.

And that was that. 3-0. Job done.

'Pressleyball' dismantled, over 10,000 United fans in full voice and bragging rights safely tucked away for the summer.

There might not have been everything on the line in this one, but beating your rivals never gets old.

A beautiful Sunday indeed.

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

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Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Will Ferry says he will "always be thankful" for getting the opportunity to join Dundee United after admitting there weren't many takers for him when he made the move.

The 25-year-old, who joined in the summer of 2024, delivered a standout performance, netting twice in their 3-0 Scottish Premiership win over neighbours Dundee at Tannadice on Sunday.

After the game, manager Jim Goodwin hailed the impact he has made at Tannadice since arriving from Cheltenham Town two years ago.

"I didn't have too many takers when I came to United," Ferry said. "I will always be thankful for getting that opportunity in the first place, especially to the gaffer who had that bit of confidence in me.

"I would like to think I have been good, without sounding arrogant. I like to think I have done a good job. I have not been ripping up trees, I have not been a superstar, I know my place, but I like to think I have been consistent enough to start pretty much every week.

"I have loved the two years I have been here so far. I think you could see how much I enjoy it out there when I get a goal - it is almost a bit of relief every time I score.

"It has been a good two years of my life so far, so I can't complain."

Ferry has scored four goals in his past four games. Prior to that, he had failed to find the net in his previous 76 games for United.

So what has made the difference in recent weeks?

He added: "A bit of confidence. Players thrive on confidence, no matter what level it is. I can't tell you why I have got confidence now when I haven't had it previously. It is just something that sometimes just clicks into place.

"Even when it came to the second goal, earlier in the season I might have turned it down or tried to put a cross in, but sometimes things are just going your way and you make good decisions.

"I haven't got an explanation for it. I would like to think it is something that would carry on, but I am not going to take it for granted. It has been a good couple of weeks, especially today.

"I am not going to take it for granted. I am going to keep working hard and hopefully I will be the top goalscorer by the end of the season."

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

GK: Jerome Prior - Livingston

Five big saves of every variety to keep St Mirren at bay as Livingston finally earned a long-awaited victory.

RB: Stephen O'Donnell - Motherwell

Having a wonderful season under Jens Berthel Askou. Asked to play on the left and wasn't an issue. Two assists for the former Scotland international, who can easily slot into right-back for me here.

CB: Ryan McGowan - Livingston

Did all the unfashionable graft a centre-back has to do at times to earn his side a seldom seen three points.

CB: Kieran Tierney - Celtic

Seven goals for club and country this season. Another rasper against Falkirk.

LB: Emmanuel Longelo - Motherwell

Unleashed in a further forward role than left-back, but he can slot in there easily for me here. What a player he has been all season. Two huge goals as Motherwell underlined their kingmaker credentials in this incredible title race.

CM: Blair Spittal - Hearts

Off the bench to score what could be one of the most pivotal winners of the season for Hearts at Easter Road.

CM: Callum Slattery - Motherwell

Back from suspension and exemplified the quality Motherwell showed in abundance at Ibrox.

RW: Sabah Kerjota - Hearts

The Albanian was a game-changer as Derek McInnes brought him on to find the path through the stubborn Hibs defence. Kerjota duly delivered, not once but twice. His contribution to the Hearts title push was immense.

AM: Martin Boyle - Hibernian

In his last Edinburgh derby he took his goal superbly, couldn't have caught it any sweeter.

LW: Will Ferry - Dundee United

Hadn't scored a single goal for Dundee United until his strike against Celtic a few weeks ago. Now he can't stop. Great work rate and quality again from the wide man as he made all the difference in the Dundee derby.

ST: Daizen Maeda - Celtic

Like a phoenix rising from the flames, is Maeda rising at just the right time to fire Celtic to the title? Celtic's opening two goals came from his tenacity and pressing, and their third - Maeda's second - was instinctive striker play.

We asked for your thoughts after Dundee United swept to a comprehensive derby victory on Sunday.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Ewen: Very comfortable victory due more to graft and dig than skill and craft. Thought Will Ferry was outstanding throughout - United must endeavour to get his contract extended ASAP. Would be surprised if Dundee are not in the relegation play-off spot come the end of the season.

Jamie: A derby win by three goals and a clean sheet is always welcome. But the fact is this team couldn't do it when it mattered. With a better defensive setup we'd comfortably be top six and maybe even hunting down Europe. We shouldn't celebrate this win too much.

Tansy: The team is just coming good as it's about to be broken up with loan deals ending, players out of contract and others who will undoubtedly leave for pastures new. It's very difficult to build a new team every year and expect it to click immediately but this seems to be the model the United hierarchy are following.

Dave: Not a game for the purists this time. There was a frantic feel to the play at times. However Utd again displayed that they are better than Dundee especially down the flanks and in midfield. I think Ferry may soon be a shining example of the Utd strategy, get them cheap, improve them massively, sell them for good money. A special mention to Agyei and Sevelj. They ruled the midfield.

Image source, SNS

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin expects summer transfer interest in left-back Will Ferry, 25. (Courier - subscription required), external

Monday's Scottish gossip

Dundee United romped to a first derby win at Tannadice in five years with a dominant display against city rivals Dundee.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

Image source, SNS

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "The all round performance and the result is what matters most but I thought we thoroughly deserved the victory.

"Great credit to the group, they made amends for the disappointment six weeks ago. I thought we were the better team in every area of the pitch and I was delighted to send our fans home happy.

"We want to finish this season on a positive note and we expect another four performances like that one today.

"There is no pressure on us now, we know that. We've still got supporters coming and paying their hard earned cash to watch the team and they expect nothing less than 100 per cent for the jersey and I thought they got that in abundance today. These derby games tend to be a lot of blood and thunder but I thought we dominated key areas throughout.

"Will Ferry has arguably been one of the best signings this club has made for a number of windows. I think he's flourished and continued to develop."

Jim Goodwin has revealed Dundee United made an approach for Swansea ace Cameron Congreve prior to his loan switch to city rivals Dundee last summer. (The Courier), external

Image source, SNS

Dundee United loan pair Amar Fatah and Luca Stephenson have both been ruled out for the rest of the season with hamstring injuries.

Kristijan Trapanovski and Isaac Pappoe (both knee) remain sidelined. With goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer (shoulder) still out, Ruaridh Adams has been recalled from his loan at East Fife to provide cover for Dave Richards.

Dundee have a fully fit squad with the exception of Clark Robertson, who is out with a thigh injury.

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before the derby meeting with Dundee on Sunday.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• On being the club's longest-serving manager since legendary boss Jim McLean, Goodwin says he is "delighted" to have been at Tannadice for three years and notes such longevity in the modern game is "unusual", adding he has "loved every minute of it".

• Goodwin admits this season has been a "disappointment in terms of not being able to get into the top six", but says it's important to enjoy the good times and stick together in the more difficult periods and that the club have made progress on and off the pitch during his tenure.

• The manager insists they are still only in the "early stages of the project and where we want to eventually take Dundee United".

• Goodwin says transforming the squad from one of the oldest in the league to one of the youngest and securing young players on contracts "can only be a good thing for the club as a whole going forward".

• On this weekend's derby, Goodwin says: "There is no doubt we will be taking this game seriously, we know what it means to the supporters first and foremost."

• United want to "put right" their collapse in the last derby, where they "let ourselves down" as Dundee came from two down in stoppage time to draw 2-2 in a frantic end.

• Goodwin adds: "We need a similar level of performance, but we just need to make sure that on Sunday, if we get our noses in front, we get the job done."

• Goodwin says "there is a lot at stake" for several United players for the rest of the season, despite the club being safe from relegation, with some vying for their club future and international places.

• United have had talks with "certain members of the squad" about contracts for next season and are "obviously continually looking in the transfer market" to try to bolster the squad for next season, on top of pre-contracts already agreed.

• On injured duo Amar Fatah and Luca Stephenson, who are set to miss the remainder of the season, Goodwin says it will "give opportunities for others" but admits both players will be a big loss having played the majority of games this term.

• David Richards will step up as starting goalkeeper with Ashley Maynard-Brewer out injured. Johnny Russell and Craig Sibbald are both "pushing" for a place in the squad this weekend.

Image source, SNS

• Dundee United have scored exactly twice in six of their past seven Scottish Premiership games against Dundee, though the exception was their last at home, a 1-0 defeat in January.

• Dundee have won their past two Premiership visits to Tannadice, as many as their previous 20 in the top flight beforehand (W2 D11 L7).

• United have won three successive league games, last winning four in a row on home soil in the division in November 2014.

• When in the bottom six, Dundee have won their first game after the split in five of the past seven occasions (D1 L1), including a 1-0 victory at Hearts last season.

• Since the start of February, only Youssef Chermiti (seven) has more Premiership goals than Simon Murray (six). Murray has now scored 26 goals in 80 appearances for Dundee in the competition – just two fewer than he netted in 95 games for all his other clubs (including United) combined in the top flight (28).

We asked for your views on which Dundee United player has failed to live up to expectation this season.

Here's what some of you said:

Eddie: Bert Esselink, Max Watters, Ivan Dolcek all showed early promise but have failed to build on it, but I think the major flop this season has been between the sticks. Yevhen Kucherenko made Mark Birighitti look good! Why can we not seem to find a solid, reliable goalkeeper these days?

Garry: Watters, every defender and every keeper we have had this season.

Mierse: Dolcek - looked so exciting and in a different class in his first few games then something happened. After that he was never the same. Looked disinterested and going through the motions. What a waste.

Ian: Dolcek - started like a proverbial house on fire. Ran away from the ball against Rangers, had he collected, we would have won and sadly that's all he has done in the last six months.

Derek: Watters - the way Jim Goodwin sets up his teams it is essential we have a frontman who attacks the crosses and is reliable in front of goal - see Sam Dalby. Watters has given us none of the above. Only positive is that he is a loan player and must be sent back to Barnsley at end of season.

Ally: Ross Graham - it was his time to step up as club captain and show real leadership. That's not happened, to the point there's a real question over whether we'd extend his contract beyond the summer.

Mike: Watters - never a striker.

Last week we asked for your Dundee United player of the year - and it was a close call between Will Ferry, Luca Stephenson and Amar Fatah.

Now we want to know the Tannadice player who has most failed to live up to expectations this season.

It could be a new signing who has underwhelmed or an existing squad member who has not kicked on.

Share your thoughts here.

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

There hasn't been much to shout about this week but in a strange way that probably sums Dundee United up just now.

A 4-2 defeat at Ibrox followed by a 3-2 win over Livingston tells you everything you need to know about another rollercoaster season.

There is a good team in there but also a team that cannot quite get out of its own way.

The numbers back it up: Attack wise, we're sixth best with 45 goals scored. It's a team that going forward has pace and real quality, especially on the counter.

But defensively, it's a back three and a goalkeeper that has to defend far too much. Only two teams have conceded more than the 54 United have and only Livingston have kept fewer than our five clean sheets.

It's no wonder United find themselves stuck in no man's land.

Seventh place and likely safe and clear of trouble but miles away from where they wanted to be after finishing fourth last season. It is a strange place to be but a bit meh... not bad enough to panic and definitely not good enough to get excited.

Paul touched on it last week with Amar Fatah and Luca Stephenson. Two players who brought real quality into the team. Losing them now only underlines where United are, but with these guys out can two others step up with five games to play?

Looking ahead to the summer and next season, there seems to be some positives. Charlie Dewar's time on loan at Alloa has led to him being named in the PFA Scotland League One team of the year - can he build on that and make a claim for being part of the first-team squad like Big Sam Cleall-Harding and Owen Stirton have this season?

Current contract options look like being taken up and three new faces are already signed up for the 26-27 campaign.

But the priority is clear. Find a way to keep the door shut while still carrying a threat at the other end.

Get that right and this season looks like a stepping stone. Get it wrong again and it will feel like a missed opportunity and nothing learned.

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

Ray Bradshaw will be joined by fans up and down the country on Monday for This Is Fans Only to discuss the weekend's biggest points.

Supporters will come on live and viewers will get the chance to join in on the debate, as well.

The show will be broadcast live on the BBC Sport Scottish Football YouTube channel at 18:00 BST.

To make sure you don't miss any bespoke video content, make sure to subscribe to the channel HERE, external.

Melbourne Victory right-back Joshua Rawlins has agreed a three-year deal with Dundee United, becoming the Tannadice club's third pre-contract signing from the A-League, and the 21-year-old will arrive this summer for a modest compensation fee with associated incentive-based clauses. (The Courier), external

Partick Thistle's Ben Stanway, fellow midfielder David Watson, of Kilmarnock, and Dundee United right-back Ryan Strain are among the leading players in the Scottish Professional Football League who are out of contract this summer. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, SNS

We asked you to tell us who deserves to be Dundee United's player of the year.

Here are some of your views:

Alex: Will Ferry, Mr Consistent.

Sean: My player of the year would be Pan Camara, one of the few new signing successes in what has been a terrible season. Where would we be without the highly unlikely six points gained against Celtic? Almost on a par with Dundee and Aberdeen, fighting relegation!

John: Over the season it has to be Luca Stephenson. He has been a consistent performer whoever the opposition was. He goes back to Liverpool with our best wishes. He has given us two season of pure joy. Just hope he doesn't return to Scottish Premiership other than to wear tangerine.

JennyLee: It's got to be Amar Fatah. Fast, skilful and exciting to watch. Just a pity we can't have the on-loan wing wizard for longer. If he'd been at Tannadice a bit longer, Emmanuel Agyei would also be in the conversation as he's been fantastic since he arrived, covering every blade of grass.

Tom: Ferry has been outstanding, doing almost everything. Corners, throw-ins, great crosses (from everywhere) and, of course, defending (better than most of his colleagues).

Oleksa: My view is there are only two candidates - Stephenson and Fatah. They both gave the fans joy and hope in a disappointing season. My vote goes to Stephenson for being more consistent over the season. They both have a great future in the game and thanks for the memories.

Andy: Camara for me. In and out the side, but we generally looked better when he played.

Ian: Vicko Sevelj he has been Mr Consistent all season, always give 100%. He is closely followed by Ferry... just hope we keep hold of both.

Dundee United duo Amar Fatah and Luca Stephenson will both miss the rest of the season with hamstring injuries. (Courier), external