Dundee United

Paul McNicoll
Fan writer

Saturday was a good day to be a Dundee United fan. That's right, you read that correctly. You might want to re-read it just to be sure, because I can hardly believe I'm typing it.

Yes, our beloved team were put to the sword by Celtic, for the umpteenth time, but here's the real victory... it's the last time we have to endure that for at least four glorious months.

Small mercies, people. Small mercies. Okay, all joking aside, there's searching for positives and then there's talking complete mince. I think we all know which side of that line I'm currently tap dancing on.

United may have been absolutely skelped on the day, but the team need to get that one out of their system, and fast. Preferably faster than the away fans cleared the stands at full-time.

There are just four games left before the lads can swap football boots for flip-flops and start their summer holidays. But there's a lot at stake between now and then.

On paper, at least, none of the teams we've still to face are as terrifying as the newly-crowned champions. Which, in theory, should make things easier. In theory. In practice? Well, we are Dundee United, so buckle up.

Next stop, Easter Road, where United face Hibs in what promises to be a cracker. Hibs are three points ahead of us right now and have a far superior goal difference.

I don't want to say it's a must-win game, but it is definitely a must-not-lose, must-not-embarrass-ourselves, must-not-go-missing-during-the-90 minutes type of game.

The carrot is dangling. Win, and you give ourselves a massive boost in the race for third place. Draw, and we're still in the race, but hoping for Aberdeen slipping up. Lose, and third place is gone.

Over to you, boys. No pressure. (Okay, a wee bit of pressure).

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

Jim Goodwin will hold talks with Richard Odada and Meshack Ubochioma over their Dundee United futures as the duo continue to struggle out on loan. (Courier), external

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish gossip.

Watch as the Sportscene team discuss Dundee United's mentality heading into a huge game against Hibernian next weekend.

We asked for your views on Dundee United's 5-0 loss against Celtic.

Here's what some of you said:

Jenny: Jim Goodwin's awful team selection showed he didn't expect to take anything from this game. Playing with one recognised centre-back was lunacy. Deciding not to give Declan Gallagher a new contract is already proving to be costly as he sat this one out on the bench when he would usually be playing. Mediocre performance from a mediocre team picked by a mediocre manager. United would have been as well not turning up and losing the three points. Shocking display and shocking management.

Dave: Horrible afternoon. Don't really know what our aim was. Started well then our momentum destroyed by the stupid 'tangerine protest'. To lose 5-0 and not have a yellow card to our name also tells a story. Glad not to play them again this season.

Kenny: What an absolutely awful performance by every player, yes Celtic were going for the points to win the league but come on, at least make a game of it playing at home. We'll be lucky to finish in fifth playing like that, a shocking performance. Half of the United fans left at half time, what does that tell the club and Goodwin?

Eddie: Baffling team selection and how Allan Campbell stays on the pitch is mystifying. Embarrassing performance that could have been even worse. You can't put out that team against the runaway league champions and not get taught a lesson. Much, much better required next weekend.

Andy: Team selection was wrong. Badly missed Gallagher, and Campbell is a wasted jersey. Four cup finals now to chase third. David Babunski to start them all!

George: The defeat by Celtic was not unexpected but losing five goals was a surprise. Four games to go to set things right. Then Jim has some recruiting to do before next season.

Celtic could face sanctions after objects were thrown by spectators on to the pitch during the league championship-clinching 5-0 win at Dundee United, an apparent protest by supporters about ticket prices. (Football Insider), external

Dundee United head coach Jim Goodwin is remorseful towards the club's fans following their heavy defeat. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Sunday's Scottish gossip

Image source, SNS

• Celtic have scored in 31 of their 34 games, more often than any other team in the Premiership this season.

• Dundee United have a record of W0, D0, L4 when conceding the opening goal at home in the Premiership this season.

• Celtic have avoided defeat in their last 43 matches when scoring first in the Premiership, since a 1-2 loss to Kilmarnock on 10 December 2023.

• Dundee United have failed to win any of their last five matches when conceding first in the Premiership, since a victory over Dundee on 2 January 2025.

Were you at Tannadice or following the match elsewhere?

Either way, we want your views on the game - have your say here.

Image source, SNS

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin to Sky Sports: "There's never a good time to play Celtic, there was so much on the line for them and they were really on it.

"It sounds crazy to say that for the opening half hour we were really good. At 2-0 we can probably manage the game a bit better and get in at half time.

"We can't allow today's result to dishearten us too much. It wont be a surprise Celtic have won the game. We've got a huge game next weekend."

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Those darn tangerines. Not the orange-shirted Dundee United players, but fruit that was thrown on to the pitch early in the first half by the travelling fans, apparently in protest against ticket prices.

That disruption completely ruined the home side's momentum and allowed Celtic to re-set after a very underwhelming opening.

Jim Goodwin can legitimately look back on a highly-promising first 30 minutes as a good marker for the final four matches, with a European place still very much within their grasp.

He will rue the fact his side still managed to give away three goals before the interval having done so well prior to that.

But he'll take solace from the fact Celtic have done similar things to other teams and will be happy with the flexibility he now has, having gone to a back four which showed signs of promise before the collapse came.

The scale of that collapse will be a worry, but he may well take the view that better sides than his have also felt the sharp end of Celtic in clinical mode.

Midfielder Craig Sibbald, 29, is set to reach a century of Dundee United appearances against Celtic. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

Image source, SNS

Dundee United are without Ross Graham while Luca Stephenson's loan from Liverpool has ended prematurely due to a double hernia, but Vicko Sevelj could return after missing the last two games.

Celtic remain without Yang Hyun-jun (elbow) and Kasper Schmeichel (shoulder).

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Dundee United striker Ruari Paton hopes the way he was rekindled his career can inspire young players cut loose by clubs to keep chasing their dream.

Irishman Paton, who arrived on loan from Port Vale in January, admits being part of United's European challenge is a far cry from where he was when he was released by Hibs as a 19-year-old.

Speaking prior to Saturday's Premiership visit of Celtic, he said: "You are 19, your life is just starting, even now I am 24 I feel like a completely different person that I was then. But did I feel like the bottom of my world had gone? Absolutely.

"I would love if even one younger person watched my interviews and my story and understood that through a couple of years of really hard graft and performing at certain levels and just scaling bigger and bigger, they can look at my story and think your career is not over just because you were released by a professional club. It is far from over.

"I would reinforce that to every young person I meet. Don't be resentful to football, because football isn't the problem.

"Don't get resentful towards the game, enjoy it and play it while you can, immerse yourself in it every day because it doesn't owe you anything.

"But it is absolutely brilliant to play in and there is no reason why you can't go back up the way again, especially in Scotland."

After his Easter Road exit, Paton rebuilt his career at East Kilbride, Stranraer, Queen of the South and Queen's Park before making the move to England.

He has struggled for game time and has yet to score since he arrived at United but maintains he has "loved it".

He said: "I knew fine well I was putting myself in a situation where I wasn't guaranteed to play every minute.

"It is not in my personality to be fearful or afraid of a jump or failing. I would be more than happy to come and fail, it doesn't bother me in the slightest, I have failed miles worse before.

"I have loved it. A lot of people fall out of love with football, they will come up here and tell you they love it, but they don't. A lot of footballers don't love football.

"I still do love it when I look around and think 'the stadium is full, it is amazing' you have to try to enjoy every moment as it comes."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

The decision not to renew the Dundee United contracts of "influential" duo Declan Gallagher and Louis Moult was "not taken lightly" and they can leave with "heads held high", says manager Jim Goodwin.

Defender Gallagher and forward Moult have been informed at this stage of the season out of "fairness" while Goodwin is adamant it will not disrupt their focus in the final five games as United chase third in the Premiership and European football.

"Such decisions are not taken lightly, there is a lot weighed up," Goodwin said.

"There is always an argument about when do you break the news to the players. Some people think you should wait until the end of the season but personally I don't think that is fair to players.

"They have wives, kids and mortgages, just like the rest of us, and I think you have got to be fair to the lads and give them enough time to try and sort out their futures at other clubs."

Goodwin believes the pair still have a big part to play between now and the end of the season and are "on board" with United's task at hand.

"They have been extremely professional since we have had those conversations and they both want to play a part in the next five fixtures and leave Dundee United with their heads held high," he added.

"I know they will leave with the greatest of respect from the Dundee United supporters and all the staff here as well."

Though Gallagher and Moult know where they stand, goalkeeper Jack Walton's future is less clear.

The 26-year-old, on loan from Luton Town, has been a standout for the Tannadice club and is currently set to be a free agent this summer. While Goodwin would love to retain his services, he is aware it is outwith United's hands.

"He's a terrific goalkeeper who's had a brilliant season," Goodwin said of the shot-stopper who has kept 12 clean sheets in the league this season.

"But we are not in control of that one unfortunately, because Luton Town have got the option of Jack for next season. But he knows my thoughts on him.

"He has been a really influential figure for us and of course you want to hold on to your better players and Jack is certainly one of those."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premiership visit of Celtic.

Here are the key lines:

• With Celtic needing just a point to win the title, Goodwin says fourth-place United are "very determined" to avoid a title party taking place at Tannadice.

• He bristled at any suggestion the pressure is off United: "We are not just satisfied by the position we are in right now. We have still got a hell of a lot to play for ourselves."

• United have five "huge" games to go and with Aberdeen hosting Hibs on Saturday, "something is going to give at Pittodrie" and Goodwin wants his side to "try and capitalise on it".

• Louis Moult and Declan Gallagher won't be offered new deals to stay beyond the summer. Goodwin says "those decisions are not taken lightly" and he "can't speak any higher" of the contribution they have made to the club.

• Goalie Jack Walton's loan from Luton Town is up in the summer and Goodwin says his future is out of United's hands, with the English club having an option for him.

• On possible new signings: "Conversations are ongoing with numerous players and agents at the moment."

Image source, SNS

• Should Celtic avoid defeat, they will be crowned Scottish champions for the 13th time in 14 seasons, failing only in 2020-21 in this period.

• Dundee United are winless in their past 22 meetings with Celtic in all competitions (D5 L17) since a 2-1 league victory in December 2014 under Jackie McNamara.

• Celtic have kept a clean sheet in four successive league meetings with Dundee United, their longest ongoing run against any current Scottish Premiership club.

• Dundee United have won their past three league games (all 1-0); they last won more in a row in the Scottish Premiership in December 2013 (five).

• Since winning 10 successive away league games from late April to early December 2024, Celtic have since won just three of their last eight on the road (D2 L3). They have suffered three defeats in their last seven away league outings, more than their previous 28 beforehand (W22 D4 L2).

Winger Glenn Middleton, 25, vows to be "professional" as he enters the final few weeks of his contract at Dundee United. (Courier - subscription required), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Glenn Middleton says Dundee United always believed they could challenge for Europe this season despite being the Premiership new boys.

The Tangerines occupy fourth place with five games remaining and a top-five finish is highly likely to be enough to secure European football.

"We had a meeting on the very first day of pre-season and we set realistic targets for ourselves and I think the gaffer won't mind me saying now Europe was always the end goal in terms of where we thought we could maybe push for," says winger Middleton.

"The first one was to maintain our position in the league and then it was to get into the top six.

"But at the same time we knew the quality we had in the dressing room and the attitude we had as well and I think more times than not that goes a long way."

On Saturday United host a Celtic side who can secure a fourth successive title by avoiding defeat at Tannadice.

"It's going be a big occasion in the making for them and one that we'll be trying to postpone, as much as we can," said Middleton.

"It's going to be a very hard task. We know the quality that they have as a team. But we've shown in a couple of games that we've played against them this season that we're capable of frustrating and of course, causing our own problems going forward.

"So it's one we're looking forward to. It's up to us to carry out the gameplan and cause them problems because we're more than capable of doing that."

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Dundee United have had plenty to celebrate so far this season, but their main objective this weekend will be to prevent a Celtic title party at Tannadice.

United open their post-split fixtures on Saturday when a point for the visitors would be enough to see them crowned champions again.

That might act as an added incentive for Jim Goodwin's side, but in truth they have plenty of motivation themselves as they look to turn an already terrific campaign into a truly memorable one.

United sit fourth in the Premiership, above Aberdeen on goal difference, and three points behind third-place Hibs.

With the latter two playing at Pittodrie this weekend, United know they can take a huge step towards enhancing their top four – and possibly top three – credentials if they can capitalise on what happens in the Granite City.

European football is all but assured for United, which is incredible in itself when you consider they were playing in the second tier last season.

In a campaign where they have constantly defied the odds, you wouldn't put it past Goodwin's men to do just that by finishing third – and ensuring Celtic's title champagne stays on ice for another week.

Image source, BBC Sport

Striker Louis Moult is to follow Declan Gallagher in leaving Dundee United at the end of the season (Courier - subscription required), external.

Read the rest of Wednesday's Scottish gossip column...

Ronny Costello
Fan writer

With the final fixtures set to get under way, us United fans know the next five games will define what's been a solid return to top-flight football.

Sitting fourth in the Premiership, there's pride in what's been achieved so far but we're under no illusions that the job isn't done yet.

It starts with a massive lunchtime fixture as we host Celtic. The champions-elect are flying – 26 wins, a ridiculous goal difference and, let's face it, a dominant record over us in recent years.

But stranger things have happened. If we can keep it tight early doors, who knows? At worst, it's about limiting damage and bouncing back fast.

Easter Road follows – never an easy place to go, especially with Hibs in good form. But we've got a decent record there and if we can frustrate them, there's a chance to nick something. A point in the capital would be a solid result.

Then it's back to Tannadice for what feels like a must-win against St Mirren. We've got the edge on them this season and their away form has been out of sorts. If we play like we can, that one's there for the taking.

Next up – Ibrox, a midweek trip to face a Rangers team whose home form has stuttered although they usually do the business against us. But pressure can do funny things and if we're on it defensively, we might just make life awkward for them.

We finish at home to Aberdeen in what could be a straight shootout for fourth place. These games are always tight and with both teams likely to have something to play for and the Tannadice crowd behind United, we'll fancy edging it.

If we can take points from Hibs, St Mirren and Aberdeen, fourth is achievable. It won't be easy, but this team's got a bit about them.

The next few weeks will test our character – but that's exactly when Dundee United tend to show their teeth.

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