Aberdeen's Struggles Continue with Defeat Against Dundee United
Aberdeen fans chanted "sacked in the morning" as manager Jimmy Thelin's difficult start to the season continued with a disappointing Scottish Premiership defeat against Dundee United at Tannadice.
Goals from Ivan Dolcek and Bert Esselink either side of half-time handed Aberdeen their fourth league loss in the opening five matches of the season.
Dolcek, involved in five goals in his first five games for United, found the bottom corner just before halftime with a well-placed strike using his weaker right foot.
Aberdeen's defensive lapse allowed Jim Goodwin's side to extend their lead in the 50th minute. Esselink was left unmarked from a corner and powered a header past Dimitar Mitov following a flick-on from Vicko Sevelj.
Despite creating several opportunities, Thelin's side has yet to score in the league. Jesper Karlsson missed a decent chance early on and sent a golden opportunity over the bar in the second half, while Stuart Armstrong's curling effort hit the crossbar.
Thelin, who has won only four league matches in 2025, faced ridicule from the home fans throughout the match, with the traveling supporters joining in the calls for his dismissal, culminating in boos at the final whistle.
Analysis: Fan Frustration Grows as Dolcek Shines
Thelin was celebrated when Aberdeen lifted the Scottish Cup in May, but that goodwill has dissipated as the team's poor league form has persisted into the new season.
This marks Aberdeen's worst start to a league campaign since 1999, when they lost their first seven matches and finished at the bottom of the table.
The Swede approached the away supporters to express gratitude for their backing, but those who remained responded with boos and angry gestures, leaving his future in serious doubt.
The three high-profile signings made on the final day of the transfer window—Bologna loanee Karlsson, Scotland striker Kevin Nisbet, and Armstrong—failed to make an impact at Tannadice, where Thelin desperately needed a spark.
After more than a year without regular football, Armstrong appears to be off the pace, while Karlsson's flair was diminished by poor finishing. Nisbet struggled to engage in the game, recording just 13 touches in 67 minutes.
In contrast, Dundee United appeared confident, with Dolcek showcasing his talent as one of the best players in the division. The Croatian winger, signed from Dunajska Streda this summer, took his goal impressively and was frequently in dangerous positions.
Dolcek also contributed creatively, delivering eight crosses and linking well with striker Zac Sapsford. In midfield, Panutche Camara and Vicko Sevelj excelled, covering extensive ground and pushing forward effectively.
The celebratory atmosphere at Tannadice contrasted sharply with Aberdeen's decline.
What They Said
Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "We’re delighted with the result and overall performance. It was an excellent team effort from start to finish, with a couple of very well-worked goals, including a well-executed corner we practiced yesterday. We showed great resilience in the last 10 minutes when Aberdeen pressed us, but it was a comfortable win. This demonstrates that character, desire, and teamwork can be more valuable than money."
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin: "It's tough. We acknowledged the supporters' anger and frustration with our performance and result after the game. We need to find solutions quickly to get the team heading in the right direction and show our fans much more. Currently, we have one point and zero goals, and there's a lot to address in both boxes. We must step up again, as we have another opportunity on Saturday."
What's Next for These Teams?
Dundee United will host Kilmarnock at Tannadice on Saturday at 15:00 BST, while Aberdeen will travel to face Motherwell the same day at 17:45 BST.
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