A late Mark Durnan goal earned United victory in a hard-fought Tannadice battle with Championship promotion rivals Falkirk.
Durnan struck with eight minutes left to give the Tangerines another valuable three points.
With both teams showing an eagerness to attack the opening exchanges were lively.
John Rankin, one of four ex-United men in the Falkirk line-up, went close when he fired a shot a yard wide from the edge of the area.
At the other end Tony Andreu let fly for the home side and his shot had to be beaten away by Danny Rogers in the Bairns’ goal.
There were appeals for a home penalty when David McCracken appeared to pull back Nick van der Velden, but referee Euan Anderson waved play on.
Then Charlie Telfer almost played Andreu in. Rogers, though, came from his line and did well to clear the danger.
United started the second half on the front foot and Scott Fraser was unlucky to see a 20-yard drive go just over.
When Fraser turned provider with a cross from the right, Frank van der Struijk headed just inches wide.
United pressed forward again and a Telfer free kick was headed over by William Edjenguele.
For all the attacking intent, neither ‘keeper had been stretched until a low Fraser shot was superbly saved by Rogers.
The breakthrough came eight minutes from time with a move started and finished by Durnan.
He intercepted the ball on the edge of his own area and after giving it to Cammy Smith continued to move forward.
The ball went into the visitors’ box via a Fraser cross and when Falkirk couldn’t clear, Durnan smashed the ball home from nine yards to seal the points.
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