Dundee United Faces Challenges Amidst Winless Streak
One win in ten games and none in six – how concerned should Dundee United fans be about the team’s current form?
Following a defeat to St Mirren last Saturday, manager Jim Goodwin acknowledged that his team is "going through a really difficult period".
After an impressive fourth-place finish upon their return to the Scottish Premiership last season, Dundee United began this campaign with promising performances. However, early-season optimism has turned into concern that the Tannadice club could find itself embroiled in another struggle at the lower end of the table.
With three consecutive home matches against Motherwell, Celtic, and Hibernian on the horizon, BBC Scotland examines the severity of their current situation.
'Fragile' United 'gifting goals'
Streaks of poor form like the one currently experienced by United often incite fear among supporters. However, they remain eight points clear of the bottom of the table and hold a four-point advantage over city rivals Dundee, who sit in 11th place.
This is certainly not the time for panic. In a tightly contested league, the dynamics of United’s season could change rapidly. Had Goodwin’s team not conceded a last-minute penalty to draw 2-2 with Rangers last week, the narrative might be quite different.
"The only way out of it is for us to stick together," Goodwin told BBC Scotland on Saturday. "We deserve all the criticism that comes our way." This criticism has intensified during United's current six-game winless streak, which includes a 3-0 defeat at home to Premiership newcomers Falkirk.
Goodwin's defense has appeared vulnerable, failing to secure a clean sheet in their last ten matches. The inconsistent form of goalkeeper Yevhen Kucherenko, who has been sidelined since a dismal performance against Falkirk, has further compounded the issue.
"They are struggling to replicate the form they had last season, and much of that is due to their defending," remarked Sportscene host and former United forward Steven Thompson. "They look fragile and are giving away goals to opponents."
What do the numbers say?
Some fans have called for Goodwin to abandon his back three formation, which has predominantly featured Krisztian Keresztes, Iurie Iovu, and Bert Esselink this season. On a per-90 basis, Keresztes and Iovu rank high for blocks, with Keresztes also noted for his clearances, indicating they may be overburdened defensively.
The fact that only Dundee and Falkirk's goalkeepers face more shots suggests there is significant work needed to improve United's defensive solidity. Their statistics regarding goals per game and expected goals (xG) indicate they are accurately positioned in eighth place in the Premiership.
This trend continues with their goals-against-per-game average and xG against figures. They rank eighth in terms of big chance creation and seventh for touches in the opposition box. Summer signings Zach Sapsford and Ivan Dolcek have shown promise, although Dolcek's form has declined sharply after a strong start.
The attacking duo was part of an ambitious summer transfer strategy that initially excited fans, but questions are now being raised.
What do fans think?
Jenny: Goodwin should have a few more matches to turn things around. If he doesn't, it's time for United to consider other options. Almost any other manager in the Premiership could achieve more with the players he has.
Kieran: Goodwin is running out of time, and the upcoming games are not getting any easier. St Mirren didn’t need to do anything special to score - this season feels reminiscent of 2022.
Philip: Goodwin must go now before we get dragged into a relegation battle. There’s no width, no pace, and while we have a striker with good touches, he offers nothing inside the box. Ryan Strain isn’t a wing-back. I think Ferry has regressed or is carrying an injury. Goodwin out.
Gary: This is pathetic. You can't be this inconsistent week after week. Goodwin's system isn’t working either. The three at the back needs to change to a solid back four – either 4-4-2 or 4-3-3. It’s time to abandon this obsession with the back three.