Dundee United have hit back at former manager Craig Levein for claiming they nearly “ruined” John Souttar’s career.
The now Hearts boss was quoted suggesting that the Tangerines misused Scotland international Souttar, who has since moved to Tynecastle, by playing him in positions other than central defence when he was at Tannadice.
Levein had said: “I’m not being disrespectful but they (United) nearly ruined his career; right-back, left-back, centre midfield.”
However, United have come out fighting.
The club stated: “Dundee United are very disappointed to read the derogatory and misleading statement attributed to the manager of a fellow Scottish FA member club relating to ex-United player John Souttar.
“As a club, we are rightly proud of our long-standing and widely-held reputation for developing young talent.
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“John played top-level football for four seasons having made his debut under Peter Houston at the age of 16 years and 100 days.
“In total, John played 73 times in Dundee United’s first-team and represented his country at all age groups up to and including under-21s during his time at the club.
“We are extremely proud that one of our youth academy graduates has now progressed into the full Scottish national team and are delighted to have played a significant part in John’s development as a professional footballer.
“We wish John well in his future career.”
