Sometimes, games like this can produce goalfests. That was not the case here. A handshake and an agreement to call it a draw might have been more worthwhile.
There is a feeling both these sides will look quite different next season.
United were looking for green shoots, and young defender Sam Cleall-Harding got a start and teenagers Owen Stirton and Scott Constable appeared off the bench.
There was also a first start for 36-year-old Johnny Russell at Tannadice in 13 years. Unfortunately, he couldn't get the goal he was desperate for, with his short-term contract up in the summer.
The reality is, after the high of the Dundee derby, it has been a series of lows for United. Three games without a goal or win and booed off by the fans here.
It's hard to judge this Livingston side. With 15 draws, they've only lost one game more than eighth-placed Aberdeen.
Interim boss Scott Arfield encouraged his side to have fun and they were entertaining in parts, but lacked quality in the box. Just as they have all season.
With so many out of contract, and no permanent manager on the horizon, who knows what will happen this summer. Only chairman Calvin Ford has the answers.