It was a miserable night in Motherwell for more reasons than one for Dundee United as they crashed to a disappointing defeat.
Tony Watt’s sublime first-half strike was enough to claim a deserved victory for the Fir Park side.
That moved them to within a point of fourth-placed United.
Tam Courts’ side now go into Sunday’s clash with Celtic having won just one from their last six games.
Courier Sport was there to witness the Motherwell monsoon. Here are three things we learned:
Dundee United desperately miss Dylan Levitt and Jeando Fuchs
Any team would miss the kind of key players United have out right now.
They have been without striker Marc McNulty since September. His back-up Max Biamou has joined him on the treatment table.
The spine of the midfield has been ripped out in recent weeks, with Dylan Levitt and Jeando Fuchs both out.
Levitt only turned 21 last month but don’t let his age fool you.
The assist from Dylan Levitt though 🎯 pic.twitter.com/7pGDTcYc9x
— utdreport (@utdreport) November 22, 2019
The classy midfielder already has ten full Wales caps to his name. He is highly regarded by parent club Manchester United.
He has been a pass-master for United this term, dictating play from a deep-lying role.
Fuchs is a fans’ favourite. His all-action style has earned admirers, with Wigan Athletic the latest club linked with him.
It’s hard to replace the level of quality Levitt and Fuchs bring, as United are finding out to their cost.
United have lost sparkle but can relight their fire v Celtic
It was the wrong night for Dundee United to turn in one of their poorest displays of the season.
Firstly, it enabled Motherwell to close the gap.
Secondly, it has given casual observers the wrong idea about Dundee United.
They are better than that. Much better.
Recent results haven’t been great. One win in six isn’t great form.
Tony Watt’s sublime finish earned Motherwell a victory over Dundee United at a sodden Fir Park 🚀 pic.twitter.com/6zVTEW7Ktx
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) December 1, 2021
Across the last six games, fine margins have cost them dearly.
They didn’t do enough to win at Livingston. Zander Clark’s inspired goalkeeping kept them out against St Johnstone and they were overrun at Hearts.
The dug out a win v Aberdeen and surrendered a win at Ross County with the last kick of the ball.
There hasn’t been a steady decline but they’ve lost their sparkle.
The last time that happened, in the opening day v Aberdeen, United bounced back in style against Rangers. They can do the same against Celtic.
Charlie Mulgrew put his body on the line for Dundee United v Motherwell
It’s hard to be positive after such a defeat but Charlie Mulgrew deserves credit.
Mulgrew topped the Opta-stats chart for several metrics.
He made 44 successful passes from 57, more than any player on the park.
He regained possession more times than anyone with 13 interceptions.
And he battled bravely against one-time Celtic team-mate Tony Watt.
