The theory is pampered modern-day players shy away from being told the truth, but Dundee United went some way to disproving that notion as they responded to manager Mixu Paatelainen's fierce criticism in the best possible manner.

Paatelainen has publicly savaged his recently-inherited troops by labelling their 5-0 drubbing away to Celtic the previous week as “absolute rubbish,” so those wearing Tangerine jerseys yesterday came under the microscope to see what kind of reaction they would offer against Ross County.

They might have chosen to feel sorry for themselves, but instead they rallied admirably on their way to winning courtesy of Billy McKay's 81st-minute penalty which took them to within just two points of second-bottom Partick Thistle.

Paatelainen, in turn, savoured his first win since replacing departed boss Jackie McNamara less than three weeks ago, with the Tayside club's only victory prior to this Tannadice success coming on their travels away to Motherwell back in early August.

And not even the injury-time sending-off of substitute Aidan Connolly for two late bookings could dampen their spirits in the slightest.

“I can’t fault anyone. it was great,” reflected Paatelainen afterwards. “The boys have it. There’s no question about that and I’ve told them it. We got a reaction and they proved they have the fighting spirit. The standard is set now when it comes to fighting spirit and that has to be there every week now.

“It wasn’t a great footballing performance, but we’re delighted to get a win. We won’t get carried away. It’s one victory but we’re delighted with the three points.”

The former Hibernian, Kilmarnock and Finland boss showed conviction prior to kick-off by bringing in Michal Szromnik to replace Luis Zwick between the sticks in the wake of last Sunday's Parkhead roasting.

For County, they were buoyed by Tuesday's 2-1 League Cup quarter-final win over Highland rivals Ross County.

United, with a point to prove, began brightly with Aaron Kuhl releasing Adam Taggart, only for the on-loan Fulham Striker to be deemed to be offside as he prepared to run through on Gary Woods' goal.

There were some more positive signs for the bottom-of-the-table side who, in 23 minutes, put together a slick move which merited better execution. McKay laid it off to John Rankin whose ball over the top picked out Taggart who, in turn, knocked it down to the on-rushing Fraser.

The home supporters behind Woods' goal rose in anticipation but at the vital moment Fraser couldn't take it on the run, so the chance was wasted. Then, in 28 minutes, United appealed for a penalty when McKay's left-foot shot from 20-yards appeared to come off the hand of County full-back Ricky Foster.

As the hosts claimed for hand-ball, referee Don Robertson dismissed their appeals much to Paatelainen's annoyance on the touchline.

After a promising first-half, United came out in a similar manner at the restart and Taggart collected Fraser's pass, firing a low shot beyond Woods' far post.

County suffered a set-back in 53 minutes as Davies was stretchered off as a result of a head-knock following a mid-air collision with McGowan.

In a rare foray forward, the visitors had a 64th minute chance through Scott Boyd's free header from Martin Woods' cross, but the substitute nodded considerably over the target.

However, United got their reward with nine minutes remaining when Woods was rightly punished for a rash foul on Fraser to hand them a stonewall penalty.

With all the pressure on his shoulders, on-loan Wigan Athletic striker McKay stepped up to calmly send visiting keeper Woods the wrong way from the spot..

Woods almost redeemed himself with a 30-yard drive which skimmed Szromnik's bar a few minutes later, but United held out despite having Connolly ordered-off for a second-booking in the sixth minute off added on time following another foul on Gardyne.

Jim McIntyre, Ross County's despondent manager, offered no excuses for his side's poor showing which saw them drop to fifth in the table but felt losing skipper Andrew Davies to injury was a turning point.

McIntyre said: “There was plenty blood and thunder but I don’t think either side showed great quality.

“It is frustrating to lose as I didn’t see them scoring although to be fair I didn’t see us scoring either and the match had 0-0 written all over it.

“To lose due to the loss of a penalty is sore but it looked a foul from where I was standing.

“There was no reaction to the League Cup game in midweek.

“The fitness levels were good but losing our captain wasn’t ideal. He has suffered a head knock which isn’t ideal but thankfully he is fine.

“Losing him when we did meant we couldn’t put on another attacking player later in the game."