Dundee United shook off some of their World Cup break rust as they lost 2-0 in Saturday’s friendly with Swansea City at Tannadice.
The English Championship side opened the scoring through Jamie Paterson in the first half and put the game to bed after the break thanks to a Ryan Manning goal.
The United starting line-up included Charlie Mulgrew following his lengthy absence through injury while 20-year-old Jack Newman was between the sticks.
United created the first real opening of the game in the 14th minute when Arnaud Djoum played a superb pass with the outside of his boot into the path of Steven Fletcher but the striker could not capitalise under pressure from Swansea defenders.
The Swans then had an opportunity of their own with a low, 20-yard free-kick from Jay Fulton but Newman dived to his left to snuff out the danger.
Swansea had the ball in the back of the net in the 32nd minute but Joel Piroe’s effort was ruled out for offside before Newman made a great save to deny Paterson.
However, the deadlock was finally broken in the 43rd minute.
United’s Liam Smith’s attempted back pass was intercepted by Paterson who calmly rounded Newman and fired the ball into the back of the net.
Swansea doubled their advantage in the 70th minute when Manning picked up a long ball from the back down the left and hit a shot that beat Newman at his near post.
United had a chance late on to pull a goal back but young star Rory MacLeod’s snap shot was saved by Steven Benda.
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