Three wins.
Three clean sheets.
A burgeoning sense of positivity ahead of their Championship opener at Arbroath.
Following a lamentable false start — defeats against The Spartans and Partick Thistle had some fans fearing the worst, given the travails of last term — Jim Goodwin’s side looks to be taking shape.
The Tangerines were dominant from start to finish at Brunton Park, with Louis Moult and Glenn Middleton rippling the net and a host of others performing superbly against the League One outfit.
Another goal for @louismoult this afternoon 👏
A great start to his @dundeeunitedfc career.
Long may it continue 🤞🙏🧡🖤 pic.twitter.com/8ARxwKa0mj— ArabTRUST (@arabtrust1909) July 29, 2023
Courier Sport was in Cumbria to analyse the action.
Building from the back
Dundee United last pieced together three consecutive clean sheets in February 9, 2022, with Tam Courts’ Tangerines ultimately registering four shut-outs on the bounce on their way to European qualification.
United have seen off Peterhead, Falkirk and Carlisle United without conceding and, while the latter was non-competitive, the boost to confidence and gradual momentum are very real.
41’ | A terrific save from Walton keeps United ahead.
🔵 0️⃣-1️⃣ 🍊 | #CRLUTD | #DUFC pic.twitter.com/RNWPblyhqv
— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) July 29, 2023
Jack Walton pulled off another sensational save to thwart Callum Guy at Brunton Park, just as he did to deny Callumn Morrison in midweek.
Arabs were put through the wringer by their goalkeepers last season — but now look to have found a safe pair of hands.
Declan Gallagher strolled it alongside Kevin Holt, while Scott McMann is flying under Goodwin. And with Ross Docherty and Craig Sibbald providing a safety net in front of the back-line, United now look a solid proposition.
After shipping 79 goals last season — a rate of 1.8 per game — this stoic streak will be a welcome one for all Arabs.
Floating Tony Watt brought craft and graft
How Goodwin intends to accomodate Moult and Tony Watt — both vastly experienced front-men who will want to play every week — in the same team is an intriguing prospect.
Watt has not always been effective in wide areas since arriving in January 2022; Moult can only really operate as a traditional No.9; an old fashioned strike pairing would potentially leave United exposed in midfield.
Enjoyable day out in 🏴 today 🍊💥
Brilliant reception from the stands 😎🙋🏻♂️ pic.twitter.com/yCHUXSV2oa
— Tony Watt (@32watto) July 29, 2023
The solution Goodwin found on Saturday was to deploy Watt as a ‘No.10’ in a 4-2-3-1 and the former Motherwell, Hearts and Celtic man was excellent, linking up particularly well with Mathew Cudjoe and supporting Moult.
Perhaps more impressively, he got through a power of work, dropping back into midfield to aid Sibbald and Docherty when the visitors surrendered possession.
He was incredibly unlucky not to ripple the net after producing a delightful pirouette and shot inside the box in the second period, only for Tomas Holy pull off an excellent save.
3 to 33 glee
New number.
New lease of life.
When Scott McMann changed his number from three to 33 this season, it raised the odd eyebrow on social media.
Was it indicative of a drop down the pecking order?
Was a new left-back imminent?
However, as most realised, McMann was simply reverting to the squad number that served him so well upon his arrival at Tannadice, helping the Tangerines secure fourth place in the Premiership.
In keeping with the majority of his teammates, the former Hamilton Accies defender endured a miserable campaign last season and, believing every little helps, has leaned on a little superstition this summer.
And United’s No.33 has been superb in the early weeks of this season, emphasised by a superb assist for Louis Moult against Carlisle which capped an all-action display in Cumbria.
Are United ready for Arbroath?
Goodwin certainly thinks they are.
The Tannadice boss is content with his squad — no more will arrive unless there are departures — and has seen visible progress during three successive victories.
However, the real test comes at Gayfield.
The trip to Arbroath is the embodiment of the Championship challenge. A combative, physical test; tight pitch; changeable conditions; a wily opposition manager steeped in football at this level, Dick Campbell.
It could be a rude awakening.
Or United could immediately lay down a marker in the televised curtain-raiser — as a side that won’t be bullied and has exorcised the ghosts of last season.
Either way, the stage is set.
