Jim Goodwin is facing early scrutiny after Dundee United’s dismal start to the new campaign.

The Tangerines suffered a 2-0 defeat in their opening Premier Sports Cup tie against Falkirk, a result that left Goodwin visibly concerned about the direction of his squad - even though he knows there’s time to quickly make amends.

Second-half goals from Falkirk's Dylan Tait and Ross MacIver handed the Scottish Championship side a well-deserved victory at Falkirk Stadium.

The Dundee United fans, who had made the trip to support their team, expressed their frustration by loudly booing the players as they left the pitch.

Goodwin acknowledged that the performance was unacceptable and vowed to get his team back on track.

With a top-flight looming next month, Goodwin is now looking to the upcoming Premier Sports Cup Group B fixture at home against Stenhousemuir as an opportunity for his team to redeem themselves. 

“The good thing about this competition is the next game comes around pretty quickly where you can make amends and put things right,” Goodwin stated on Dundee United TV.

“That is what we aim to do on Tuesday night.


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“In this group stage, you can afford to lose a game and if you win your next three it puts you in a very strong position (to qualify).

“We just have to make sure we are better in every area of the pitch on Tuesday night.

“There is a lot we need to work on tactically in terms of the system we are trying to adapt to.

“There are loads of lessons to be learned – we need to be better on the ball, play forward a bit quicker and with more running off the ball. Those basic elements, we were second best and it is something we will improve at.”