Stuart Armstrong starred as his team beat the FA Cup holders then tipped Dundee United to be a better side this season than they were last.
With the Tangerines first to kick off the inaugural Scottish Premiership campaign away to Partick Thistle on Friday night, they had to show against Wigan on Saturday that they meant business.
Not only did the Tannadice men, who just sneaked into the old SPL’s top six last term, do just that but they recorded an eyebrow-raising 1-0 win over the Latics’ Wembley heroes thanks to a fabulous goal from exciting new striker Nadir Ciftci.
While Ciftci’s stunning goal was the highlight of a hugely-enjoyable friendly match at the DW Stadium, the best player on the park bar none was Armstrong.
He oozed class and looks ready to play in the English Premiership never mind the Scottish version.
Armstrong argued that the win over Owen Coyle’s Championship side was proof that United are now on track after disappointing defeats in earlier summer matches in Germany and Spain.
“It was maybe a surprising result for the neutral,” said the Scotland under-21 captain. We sat in to start off with and tried to find a way into them.
“We then created some nice passing moves and then came the great strike from Nadir to win the game for us. He has real talent when he has the ball and he showed that with his strike. So there is a lot to come from him this season hopefully.
“He has flair and will keep his opponents guessing. I am glad he is in our side. I think the win showed that we are continuing to work hard to be ready for the league season starting.
“Of course, the result and performance were promising so we go into the Thistle game full of confidence. We have a lot of competition for places now which is a good thing.”
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