Dundee United

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "We controlled the game from start to finish.

"They got off to the best possible start, being a couple of goals up inside fifteen minutes.

"The only criticism I could have in the second half is that we haven't added to the three goals that we scored.

"Really pleased with the overall performance.

"For us to be able to limit a team of that quality to zero shots on target, speaks volumes to the shape of the team.

"We're not getting carried away, it's a result we believed we were capable of getting before the game. We have to now kick on once we come back from this break.

"We've got some really good quality players. It's been well documented that we've tried to change the style of play and the recruitment has been built around that.

"I thought Dylan Tait and Zidane Iqbal in the middle of the park were absolutely outstanding. They completely dominated that area of the pitch and showed real good quality in possession along with Lyall Cameron. I thought it was a really good team performance.

"The boys will be working hard in the next three weeks and we'll be readied and prepared for Hibs."

Dundee United emphatically dispatched St Mirren to earn just their second Premiership win of the season on manager Jim Goodwin's return following a health issue.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin will return to hospital in the next six weeks to undergo a minor operation after returning to work after a health scare last month. (The Courier, external)

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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St Mirren welcome back influential midfielder Killian Phillips after injury, but Samuel Ramos (hamstring), Liam Donnelly (abductor), Malik Dijksteel (hamstring), Keanu Baccus (Achilles) and Jonah Ayunga (knee) remain sidelined.

Suspended Dundee United midfielder Emmanuel Agyei will be missing for several weeks with a knee ligament injury, while winger Mehdi Merghem (knee) is also absent.

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Iraq midfielder Zidane Iqbal has vowed to use his Dundee United move to reignite his injury-stalled career.

Iqbal, a product of Manchester United's youth academy, made his United debut in the 1-1 draw with Falkirk last time out after his deadline-day arrival from Dutch Eredivisie side Utrecht.

Speaking before Saturday's Premiership trip to St Mirren, the 23-year-old said: "A couple of seasons ago I was playing well. I played quite a few games, qualified for the Europa League and did a ligament in my knee and after that, I just kept picking up other injuries.

"That is why I need to come somewhere after all those injuries are finished and prove myself and show everyone that I am still here and just show my quality.

"I always believe in myself. I have a good support network - my dad, my agent, my family always look after me, support me and just told me 'come here and show yourself'."

Iqbal has been capped 28 times and featured in all three of Iraq's games at this summer's World Cup, where he made history as the first player of Pakistani heritage to play in the finals.

So does he see himself as a something of trailblazer?

He said: "Every player dreams of playing in the World Cup and that dream was with me since a kid. I never thought of being the first Pakistani heritage player to play in the World Cup.

"So of course as I have grown up and got older I have realised how much it means to people across the world and you take that responsibility with you.

"But I am still a young lad, I am still learning myself. I am on my own career journey and if people can be inspired by what I do, or take a pinch of what I have done and add it to themselves, then I will be over the moon."

As he looks to make his mark in Scotland, Iqbal revealed he tapped into a Dundee United connection before making the move north.

He explained: "One of my old coaches, Hasney Aljofree (at Man Utd Under-16s), he played at Dundee United.

"He wore the number 14 as well, he told me and my dad it is a great city, a great club and somewhere where you can really enjoy yourself and kick on.

"I am happy to be here and growing up in Manchester, Scotland is not too far so you do have an eye on the league - there are some big teams here."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Scottish Premiership trip to face St Mirren (15:00 BST).

Here are the key points:

• After missing the past three games because of a health issue, he is delighted to be back, saying: "I have never missed a day's training from the day I turned professional at 16."

• Goodwin continues: "I don't want to go into too much detail about it, but it was something pretty straightforward in the end. It was a simple procedure required and once that is done and all tidied up then it will be nothing that I need to worry about going forward."

• He is "pleased to say I am back to full health and raring to go" and has been "absolutely overwhelmed" by messages of support he has had from within and outwith the football world.

• Goodwin also thanked the NHS staff who have looked after him during the past few weeks.

• He points out he has been in constant dialogue with his staff and players and has "still been able to watch the games and communicate with the bench".

• Goodwin thinks second-bottom United haven't "done ourselves justice so far" in terms of their points gained and require more consistency.

• The manager says scoring goals has been the bit that has let them down.

• Goodwin praised St Mirren for having "a great start to the season" and his former club's "bold appointment" of Craig McLeish as manager.

• St Mirren have only won three of their past 23 top-flight home matches against Dundee United (D10 L10), although two of those have come in their latest five (D1 L2).

• Since Dundee United's promotion back to the Premiership in 2024, their five league wins against St Mirren is their most versus any opponent.

• Only Aberdeen (15) have more top-flight defeats in 2026 than St Mirren (14), who have lost their past two in the competition.

• Dundee United have won just one of their past 10 league games (D4 L5), beating Kilmarnock 4-0 in August.

• Jim Goodwin has taken charge of 94 Premiership games as Dundee United manager, now his most with any side in the competition, ahead of St Mirren (93). Goodwin has a 1.75 points-per-game average against his former side St Mirren in the league (P12 W6 D3 L3), his joint highest as a manager against any opponent (also 1.75 v St Johnstone).

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

If Dundee United were given an early-season report card it would read - could do better.

It has been a mediocre start to the campaign having taken five points from their opening half dozen games.

It is far too early for alarms bells, but United might want to avoid casting a glance at the Premiership table as their position worsened - without kicking a ball - following Tuesday night's fixtures.

Victories for Aberdeen and Falkirk moved them above United, who drop to 11th, while bottom club Kilmarnock's win at Hibs means they are now just a point behind the Tannadice side.

After a weekend off, United return to action at St Mirren on Saturday.

Their fans will be hoping the extra time on the training ground can help resolve the two big problems they have had this season - putting the ball in the net and keeping it out of their own.

In their six league games United have had 99 shots - only Rangers, Celtic and Hibs have had more. Of those, only 26 have been on target, the eighth best in the division.

Their wastefulness in front of goal is further highlighted by the fact they have scored just six goals - only Falkirk and Killie have scored fewer.

Jim Goodwin's side also have the second worst defensive record in the league, having shipped 11 goals.

It is early days and fortunes can change very quickly, but the need for improvement is obvious.

Dundee United defender Michael Forbes exemplifies Northern Ireland's pathway, says national boss Michael O'Neill, after the 22-year-old was recalled to the senior squad. (Courier - subscription required, external)

Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

A game-free weekend, courtesy of our early League Cup exit, so United kindly gave us some extra time to work out the answer to one simple question… Are we any good?

Six league games in and I'm none the wiser.

We've drawn with Rangers, been battered by Hearts, lost a derby, stuck four past Kilmarnock, been beaten by Motherwell and needed a 93rd-minute equaliser against Falkirk.

Thirteen new players arrived over the summer, so perhaps it shouldn't be surprising we're still trying to work out what Jim Goodwin's best XI actually is. I've changed mine three times while writing this…

There are encouraging signs. Michael Forbes looks a player. Jack Walton remains dependable. Will Ferry is still Will Ferry. Zac Sapsford has goals in him while Lyall Cameron and Zidane Iqbal could add something completely different.

But who is our number one striker? Where do all the midfielders fit? Can we defend consistently? And was that 4-0 at Rugby Park a glimpse of what's coming or did Kilmarnock just have an absolute nightmare?

Five points from six leaves us ninth. Not disastrous but not particularly inspiring either.

It's early days for what has been another massive rebuild - patience is required.

But after six league games, 13 signings, a change of formation and shape plus results ranging from promising to absolutely honking, I have reached my considered verdict on United's season so far…

Ask me again in October.

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

Dundee United winger Mehdi Mergham is likely to miss Tuesday's Scottish Premiership trip to St Mirren. (Courier - subscription required, external)

Monday's Scottish gossip

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Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin is recovering well and has been "blown away with the support" he has received during his illness-enforced absence, says chief executive Luigi Capuano.

Goodwin spent time in hospital and has not taken charge of United's past three games, although he was in attendance at last weekend's Tannadice draw with Falkirk.

"On behalf of the manager from speaking to him numerous times, he's been blown away with the support from the club and the fans," Capuano said in a club update.

"He was here on Saturday and the fans had a banner for him, all these things have really touched the manager and his family.

"It's been a real support to them because obviously while he's a football manager he's a husband and a father.

"So it's a difficult situation for his family, but they're so appreciative of everything the fans have done, and the support from the wider football community. I know he's been inundated with messages and well wishes.

"He's recovering really well. He was at training on Friday just to watch and have a chat with the players.

"He was here on Saturday. And as and when we have further updates on things then of course as a club we'll we'll let the fans know."

Former Manchester United midfielder Zidane Iqbal believes he can show his true self at Dundee United. (Courier), external

Read the rest of Wednesday's Scottish gossip.

Paul McNicoll
Fan writer

This column is usually filled with bad takes, daft footballing opinion and poor attempts at humour, but today I want to be a little more serious.

The gaffer, Jim Goodwin, is going through a health issue at present. And for his own and his family's sake, I hope he can return to full health as soon as possible.

As a player, Goodwin was never my favourite, in fact, he likely wasn't anyone's favourite. For a start, he was always in the opposition, but I'll concede, he played the game in an honest and often robust manner.

He'd tell you himself he wasn't the best player to pull on a pair of boots, but he made the most of 'what he had'. That in itself is admirable.

Since becoming Dundee United manager, it's been clear to see he's a passionate, amiable, well-spoken, determined, thoughtful and proud man, who has represented our club wonderfully well and given his absolute all.

Through no fault of his own, he's had to build four teams in his time at Tannadice. With those teams he has achieved, I would imagine, most of what was asked of him, albeit this season is still in its infancy.

He has fronted up every week, regardless of result, and taken the full force of flak and blame when there are also others at fault when things haven't gone well. Yes, I'm looking at you lot upstairs.

Far be it from me to speculate what Goodwin is going through, but he and every other manager in the league must experience some amount of stress on a near daily basis.

Yes, football managers are in a relatively privileged position, but we need to remember they are human. They have good days, they have difficult days. They also suffer from ill health at times, and when that happens, football tends to pale into insignificance.

So from myself and many, many others, I wish you well, Jim. Haste ye back to health and the dugout.

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

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Scott Bain (Falkirk): Will he be Sebastien Pocognoli's Scotland number one? He did himself no harm against Dundee United.

Dujon Sterling (Rangers): Strong showing from the versatile defender in the weekend win over Motherwell.

Cameron Carter-Vickers (Celtic): Another impressive display at the back, winning 12 of his 14 duels in the victory at St Mirren.

Michael Forbes (Dundee United): Big goal to earn a point against Falkirk at Tannadice.

Jordi Altena (Hearts): A fine display at Tynecastle. Brave on the ball and at his best getting forward in the comeback win over Dundee.

Dan Neil (Rangers): Maybe his best game for Rangers since joining the club; good on and off the ball.

Jason Holt (St Johnstone): A 95% passing completion rate from the evergreen midfielder against Hibernian.

Yang Hyun-Jun (Celtic): Another goal to underline his growing importance to this Celtic side.

Camilo Duran (Celtic): Perhaps the signing of the season so far - the Colombian always makes things happen and proved his worth again in Paisley.

Josh Fowler (St Johnstone): Both goals to sink Hibs from the former Queen's Park man; on another day he could have had a hat-trick.

Djeidi Gassama (Rangers): A tremendous display overall from a player who might finally be finding consistency at Ibrox.

Watch all the highlights as Dundee United leave it late to snatch a point at home to Falkirk. Available to UK users only.

United fans, we asked for your views after Michael Forbes' late goal rescued a point at home to Falkirk.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Ross: Don't get me wrong, the opening period was horrendous on every level. Lack of effort, desire, structure and skill. The players deserved criticism but booing them off at half time, just 1-0 down is hardly motivating. Recent results really aren't good enough but let's not make Tannadice toxic.

Lee: The first 30 minutes were a shambles. The players looked like they'd never met or trained together. We at least kept battling and worked our way back into the game, a point was the least we deserved and probably should have won it. We can't afford to start games that slowly.

Marc: United made mistakes all over the park in first 30 minutes. End of the first and second half were excellent. The team needs confidence, the fans need to help them. Constant negativity being shouted from the stands needs to stop, fans need to support the team on the park.

Ross M: A jigsaw with pieces still missing. Horrendous opening period, particularly at home. Players off the pace, looking lost and short on basic skills and ideas. Nervous and no composure on the ball. Truly painful to watch. Much, much better second half with more belief and passion and really should have beaten Falkirk in the end. Special mention to Lyall Cameron who looked like he wanted to make things happen. The pieces are there but not sure if, or when, the puzzle will be solved

John: A game of two halves. Too many misplaced passes and poor first touches in the first half. We showed real resolve and dominated the second half. We need that from the start. Zidane Iqbal looked very good when he came on and Lachlan Rose's work rate was, as usual, excellent. Cameron was impressive. There is hope.

Keith: I hope every United "fan" who booed at half time realises that all the players are putting in the effort. What they really need is encouragement to help them gain the confidence to really express themselves and take the points they deserve. Stop the booing, keep encouraging. The players made loads of chances, and with encouragement, I hope they will take them.

Dundee United full-back Will Ferry has suffered a groin strain and could remain out for their trip to St Mirren, having missed Saturday's draw with Falkirk. (Courier), external

Read the rest of Sunday's Scottish gossip.

A stoppage-time Dundee United equaliser prevented Falkirk from claiming their first Scottish Premiership win of the season in a hard-fought contest at Tannadice.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

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Dundee United assistant manager Lee Sharp tells BBC Scotland: " I thought the first half an hour we were too passive, we weren't at it at all, and it took us that length of time to get going. I thought the last ten minutes of the first half we started to come into it and created a few chances. The goal was poor from our point of view defensively. We built into the game after thirty-five minutes, we were just far too passive in that first instance.

"Second half I thought we dominated the game, right from half time, and I thought we should've went on and won the game to be honest, the chances we had second half and I don't think [Falkirk] had a shot on goal second half and the goalkeeper has had a few good saves, so disappointed in the end to only come away with a point.

"Character was great, we made changes and freshened it up as the game went on and the guys that came on made a real impact, the character was there, the fans could see that and even once we scored there were only minutes left and we were pushing to get the winner so you could see the disappointed at the end of the game from the players.

"He had two or three really good saves in the second half and it was important that we just kept that momentum and kept going to try and get that equaliser to then have enough time to go on and win the game. Ultimately, we didn't have enough time, but the character the guys showed was fantastic.

"If you watch it back, and you'll no doubt see it on the TV, there is definite contact, they were quick to make the decision, I don't see how that was and certainly if it was against us we'd have expected a penalty to be given there, so really disappointed in that. I thought it was definitely a stonewall penalty for us.

[Jim Goodwin] came in yesterday to training, today he wanted to come along to the game. He's still recovering, but he was there in some capacity and in contact with us throughout the game."