Kevin McDonald’s first appearance in a united shirt showed Tannadice fans they’ve signed a genuine class act.
Having played at a level way above the Scottish Premiership, McDonald produced a performance in the win against Motherwell which oozed quality.
Unhurried and composed, he exuded effortless assuredness and easy mobility with a performance in midfield which was of a higher calibre than United would have been able to afford had he not gone through a torrid and life-threatening two years with kidney disease, resulting in a transplant.
Actually, it’s highly unlikely that any Scottish club could have afforded a player of his ability had he not been available through the most unfortunate of circumstances, or that he would have returned to our game had he not endured such a desperate time.
Some United fans have been critical of manager Tam Courts and the team’s performances.
But in moving into fourth spot with a fine all-round display, the United boss proved that his side and indeed he himself are works in progress.
But that progress is definitely being made.
⭐️ Written in the stars@32Watto is inevitable 👉😶👈#UnitedTogether pic.twitter.com/3EleeShPUJ
— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) February 10, 2022
With defensive talisman Charlie Mulgrew missing through injury, United kept an impressive third clean sheet on the bounce.
And with Tony Watt, who has immediately established himself as a signature signing, getting off the mark with a well-timed run to the back post to finish off a cross from the pacy Ilmari Niskanen, there are plenty of reasons for positivity at Tannadice.
If Dundee can go to the third best club in the country and take all three points there’s no reason they can’t haul themselves out of relegation trouble.
I dismiss suggestions that Hearts were poor on the night. You beat what’s put in front of you and James McPake’s side did that supremely well having gone a goal down at a notoriously difficult venue.
In Zak Rudden and Danny Mullen as a strike partnership they have two players who exhibit real hunger and commitment and substantial physical presence from the former.
The key now for the Dark Blues is finding consistency of performance.
The Dees move off the bottom 💪@Dannymullen13 with the winning goal at Tynecastle!#cinchPrem | @DundeeFC pic.twitter.com/6egVh9BszD
— SPFL (@spfl) February 10, 2022
There’s quality enough in the ranks but their weekly showings have to hit a more regular level of output and not dip.
That’s always a big ask in a league where outside of the top two any team is capable of beating each other.
However, if Dundee can find that level on a regular basis, their Tynecastle win proves that they have the attitude to succeed.
They now have to find that same determination and consistency every week.
I had a good blether with the St Johnstone chairman before last Saturday’s match.
It’s fair to say Steve Brown has found this transfer window hugely frustrating.
With so many signings to be made, the task of dealing with a clutch of hard-nosed agents has tested him to the limit.
However the new players are in and they must gel rapidly if demotion is to be avoided.
The midweek defeat at St Mirren is a big blow but they are where they are.
Now the new men must help the club dig itself out of a deep hole which no one surely envisaged Saints ever being in.
