Dundee United F.C.

This article is about the side formed in 1909. For the similarly named club formed in 1893, seeDundee F.C.

Dundee United Football Clubis aScottishprofessionalfootballclub based in the city ofDundee.Formed in 1909, originally asDundee Hibernian,the club changed to the present name in 1923.United are nicknamedThe TerrorsorThe Tangerinesand the supporters are known asArabs.

Dundee United

Full name	Dundee United Football Club
Nickname(s)	The Terrors, The Tangerines
Founded	24 May 1909(1909-05-24) (asDundee Hibernian)
Ground	Tannadice Park
Capacity	14,223
Chairman	Mark Ogren
Manager	Jim Goodwin
League	Scottish Premiership
2023–24	Scottish Championship,1st of 10 (promoted)
Website	www.dundeeunitedfc.co.uk

The club have played in tangerine shirts mostly accompanied by black shorts since August 1969, and have played atTannadice Parksince the club's foundation in 1909. United was a founding member of theScottish Premier League(SPL) in 1998, and was ever-present in the competition until it was abolished in 2013 to make way for theSPFLstructure. In recent years, United's top flight status has wavered, having spent only six seasons in thePremiershipsince 2013–14. After winning the2023–24 Scottish Championshipthey returned to the top flight for the 2024–25 season.

Domestically, the club has won theScottish Premier Divisionon one occasion (1982–83), theScottish Cuptwice (1994and2010) and theScottish League Cuptwice (1979and1980). United appeared in European competition for the first time in the 1966–67 season, going on to appear in Europe in 14 successive seasons from 1976. They also reached theEuropean Cupsemi-finals in1983–84and theUEFA Cupfinalin1987.

The club contest theDundee derbywith local rivalsDundee;this is the geographically closest derby in Britain, asDens Parkstadium is located virtually next door to Tannadice Park.Dundee United have won the local derby 81 times, Dundee have won it 49 times, and there have been 44 draws between the close rivals.

History

Main article:History of Dundee United F.C.

Chart of historic performance of Dundee United in the League.

Beginning (1909–1959)

The club was formed as Dundee Hibernian in 1909, playing from the outset atTannadice Park(previously known as Clepington Park), named after the street it's located on - Tannadice Street. They were voted into theScottish Football Leaguein 1910. After being saved from going out of business in October 1923, the club changed their name to Dundee United in order to widen their appeal. Between 1925 and 1932 United were promoted and relegated between the first and second tier three times, winning theSecond Divisiontitle in1925and1929.

Promotion to the top flight (1959–1971)

The club took significant strides forward whenJerry Kerrbecame manager in 1959. Kerr's team won promotion in his first season in charge and became an established team in the top flight, where they remained until 1995.

A key characteristic of Kerr's reign was the strengthening of the playing squad with Scandinavian imports,most notably with the signings ofLennart Wing,Finn Dossing,Mogens Berg,Finn SeemannandOrjan Persson.

It was during this period that United qualified for European competition for the first time, eliminatingInter-Cities Fairs CupholdersBarcelonaon their European debut in 1966.

Jim McLean era (1971–1993)

Jim McLeantook over from Kerr in 1971 and under his management the club enjoyed the most successful era in its history. McLean's era became known for his youth policy and the offering of long-term contracts that would see future Scotland international players such asDave Narey,Paul Sturrock,Paul Hegarty,Davie Dodds,Eamonn BannonandMaurice Malpasspend the majority of their careers at the club.

United won their first major honour under McLean, capturing theScottish League Cupin1979and again in1980.They were crownedPremier Divisionchampions in1982–83.

The club were also successful in Europe, reaching theEuropean Cupsemi-finals in1984and theUEFA CupFinal in1987,the latter campaign involving another elimination of Barcelona during the earlier rounds (maintaining a 100% record over the Spaniards in competitive European ties).Despite losing toIFK Gothenburgin the final, the club was awarded a FIFA Fair Play Award.

McLean retired as manager in 1993, but remained as club chairman.

Scottish Cup wins and relegation (1993–2016)

ManagerPeter Houstoncelebrating Dundee United's2010 Scottish Cup Finalwin

United won theScottish Cupfor the first time in1994under McLean's successorIvan Golac,but were relegated in 1995, before returning to the Premier Division a year later.

Following a number of board changes, the club was purchased from McLean in 2002 by formerMorning Noon and Nightco-founder and chief executiveEddie Thompson.A lifelong United fan, Thompson invested heavily in the team in a bid to compete with significant spending which had developed following the formation of theScottish Premier League,however little progress was made untilCraig Leveinbecame manager in 2006. Levein established United as a top six club, regularly achieving European qualification before he left the club to take the post as Scotland men's national team manager in 2009.

With the foundations of the side in place, United won the Scottish Cup for a second time in2010under the management ofPeter Houston.

After several relatively successful seasons, a series of poor results in thePremiershipled to United being relegated in 2016.

Scottish Championship and promotion battles (2016–2020)

Dundee United's first season in theChampionshipwas under the management ofRay McKinnon.United won theChallenge Cupby beatingSt Mirren2–1 in the final and they reached the play-off final for thePremiership.However they lost narrowly 1–0 toHamilton.The second season in the second tier was less successful, as manager McKinnon was sacked and replaced withCsaba László;after a very disappointing season, United lost in the play-off semi-final to eventual promotion winnersLivingston.After a poor start to the2018–19 seasonthe manager was once again sacked and replaced withRobbie Neilson.The team finished second in the Championship but lost in the play-offs to St Mirren, missing four penalty kicks in the process. United started the2019–20 seasonin title winning form, maintaining the top spot since the opening weekend, but the season was postponed due to the globalCOVID-19 pandemicon 13 March 2020. On 15 April 2020, the SPFL plan proposing an end to the season was approved. A 14-point lead over second placeInverness CTsaw United crowned champions and subsequently promoted back to the Premiership. On 21 June 2020, the club announced that they were parting ways with manager Robbie Neilson, who agreed a deal to return to newly relegated sideHeart of Midlothian.

Scottish Premiership return (2020–2023)

Prior to the start of thePremiershipseason, Dundee United hiredTranmere RoversmanagerMicky Mellonto replace Neilson, and began their campaign at home to Tayside rivalsSt Johnstone,drawing 1–1. In theirfirst seasonback in the top flight United finished in 9th place, whilst also making aScottish Cupsemi final appearance, losing toHibernian.

In May 2021 Mellon departed the club, being replaced on 7 June byTam Courts.Courts first season as Dundee United manager saw the team finish 4th, their highest position since 2014, and qualify to play in the third qualification round of the2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference League.

United were eliminated in the third qualification round byAZ Alkmaarafter a 7–1 aggregate defeat, losing 7–0 away from home, equaling the record defeat for a Scottish club in European competition.They started theleague seasonequally poorly, and were beaten 9–0 at home byCelticon 28 August 2022.United continued to play poorly throughout the season, leading to the departure of two managers as the club faced an unexpected relegation battle. The first wasJack Ross,who was appointed as manager before the season- he was sacked after the 9–0 loss to Celtic.Ross was succeeded byLiam Fox,first on an interim basis and then as full-time head coach after a win againstLivingstonin the League Cup.Fox was in charge of the club until February where after a horror show against fellow relegation rivals Ross County United lost 4–0, resulting in the second managerial departure in the same season.The club turned toJim Goodwin,who had himself been relieved from his role at Aberdeen in February, to save their season, appointing him along with long-time assistantLee Sharpon a short-term deal until the end of the Premiership season.Goodwin led the club from being 5 points adrift at the foot of the table, and without a win in the league since January to losing only twice in seven matches, to 4 points above bottom side Ross County in the table into 10th ahead of Kilmarnock in 11th on goal difference.United entered the split knowing that a couple more victories would all but secure their top-flight status for another season but became only the second side to go a post-split campaign without picking up a single point and were consigned to relegation back to the Championship after a 3–2 loss away at Motherwell on the final day.

Relegation back to the Championship and immediate Premiership return (2023–present)

Just before United's relegation was confirmed, Goodwin signed a 2-year deal to remain manager of United.Goodwin subsequently announced he will allow any player who wishes to leave the club to do so.United had a much changed side for their first competitive outing came in the League Cup group stage againstThe Spartans,who had just gained promotion from the Lowland League into the SPFL set up. The matchday squad contained only 9 players from the squad that lost to Motherwell two months prior. United suffered a shock 1–0 defeat atAinslie Parkbefore losing once again to Partick Thistle in their first home match in the group stage.United then went on an incredible run of form, winning 14 of their next 17 matches across all competitions without losing, so that after a 2–1 win away toDunfermlineUnited sat on top of the Championship, with 31 points from a possible 39.

It was not all smooth sailing for the Tangerines however, as they then fell out of the Challenge Cup at the quarter final stage to League One side Falkirkbefore then crashing out of the Scottish Cup at the first time of asking to another League One side in Queen of the South.United suffered their first defeat of the season against high flyingRaith Roversat Tannadice. Raith had been unbeaten in 6 consecutive matches before their victory meaning that despite only losing once United were second in the league and 5 points behind the Fife side.

United continued to pick up victories going into the new year, although draws against Queen's Park and Dunfermline and a loss to Greenock Morton blemished United's run. Raith led United by 4 points as they met once more at Stark's Park. United once again fell victim to the Rovers - this time to an 89th minute wonder strike from Rovers' captain Scott Brown.The atmosphere at Tannadice was beginning to sour, as after a 2–0 home defeat toAirdriethe jeers and boos rained from the stands at the players and manager.

United managed to gain form towards the end of the season, after a near halfway line goal fromLouis Moultagainst Inverness secured a draw to put the Tannadice side clear of Raith by 1 point.The next match was between the two title challengers and seemed likely to prove decisive in the race for promotion. United defeated Raith for the first time that season winning 2–0 to send United 4 clear at the top of the league, a position that they would not relinquish.United all but secured the Championship title and promotion back to the Premiership with a 1–0 win over Ayr United at Tannadice in April, putting them 6 points clear of Raith with two games to spare, with United's goal difference 36 more than Rovers'.The title, and subsequent promotion, was officially confirmed after a 0–0 draw atAirdrieon 26 April 2024.

Colours and badge

United's playing kit consists of tangerine shirts and black shorts, first used when the team played under theDallas Tornadomoniker in theUnited Soccer Associationcompetition of 1967, which they were invited to participate in after their first European excursion had created many headlines in the football world.After persuasion by the wife of manager Jerry Kerr, the colour would soon be adopted as the club's own in 1969 to give the club a brighter, more modern image. The new colour was paraded for the first time in a pre-season friendly againstEvertonin August.

When founded as Dundee Hibernian, they had followed the example of other clubs of similar heritage by adopting the traditionally Irish colours of green shirts and white shorts. By the time the club became Dundee United in 1923, the colours had been changed to white shirts and black shorts as they sought to appeal to a wider cross-section of the community. These colours persisted in various forms up until 1969, sometimes using plain shirts, but also at various times includingCeltic-style broad hoops,Queen's Park-style narrow hoops and anAirdrie-style "V" motif.

Period	Kit manufacturer	Shirt sponsor (front)	Shirt sponsor (sleeve)
1973–1976	Bukta	none	none
1976–1985	Adidas
1985–1987		VG
1987–1989		Belhaven
1989–1991	ASICS
1991–1992	Bukta
1992–1993	Loki
1993–1994		none
1994–1996	Pony	Rover
1996–1998		Telewest
1998–2000	Olympic Sports
2000–2003	TFG Sports
2003–2006		Morning, Noon and Night
2006–2008	Hummel	Anglian Home Improvements
2008–2009		Carbrini Sportswear
2009–2010	Nike
2010–2016		Calor
2016–2018		McEwan Fraser Legal
2018–2019		Utilita
2019–2020	Macron
2020–2021			Eden Mill
2021–2022		Eden Mill	Utilita
2022–2023		Quinn Casino	Primero Contracts
2023–2024	Erreà	Bartercard	Spaces Taylored
2024–		Quinn Casino	Trade-Mart

The present club badge was introduced in 2022, and saw the previouslion rampantdesign updated in a new logo incorporating the club colours.To mark the club's centenary in 2009, a special version of the badge with an added"1909 2009 Centenary"logo was introduced for the duration of the 2009–10 season, along with additional green trim on the badge, representing Dundee Hibernian's colours.

Previously, the lion had been represented on a simpler shield design. Although this "classic" version had been used as the club crest on the cover of the matchday programme as early as 1956, it had never appeared on the players' strip prior to 1983. Since 1959, various other designs had been worn on the shirts, incorporating either the lion rampant or the letters DUFC, often on a circular badge.

The club first introduced shirt sponsorship in the1985–86 seasonwhen future chairmanEddie Thompson'sVGchain sponsored the club in the first of a two-year deal. A six-year association withBelhaventhen ensued with a sponsorless1993–94 season.Roverbegan a two-year deal early in time for the 1994Scottish Cupfinal, sponsoring the club until the end of the1995–96 season.Telewesttook over sponsorship from 1996 for six years until Eddie Thompson'sMorning, Noon and Nightstarted sponsoring the club in 2002. This association continued until 2006 whenAnglian Home Improvementsbegan a two-year deal with an optional third year. At the same time, Ole International became the first shorts sponsors.JD Sports'Carbrini Sportswearbrand sponsored the club in the 2008–09 and 2009–10 seasons. United's shirt sponsor from the 2016–17 season wasMcEwan Fraser Legal,beforeUtilitatook over the sponsorship from 2018 until 2021. United's shirt sponsor was thenEden Mill,who took over before the 2021–22 season, followed by two one-year sponsorships from Quinn Casino andBartercard.Their current shirt sponsor is Quinn Casino.

United have had a number of official kit suppliers, includingAdidas,Hummel,Nike,Macronand most recentlyErreà.

Historical kits

Home

c. 1909

c.1929–30

1986–87

1990–91

1993–94

1994–95

2006–07

2008–09

2009–10

2010–11

2011–12

Alternative

1985–86

1989–91

1995–96

2002–03

2009–10

2013–14

Stadium

Dundee United's home ground throughout their history has beenTannadice Park,located on Tannadice Street in the Coldside area of the city. It is situated a mere 170 yards (160 m) away fromDens Park,home of rivalsDundee;The club has only ever played one home fixture at another venue. This was aLeague Cuptie againstRangersin March 1947, when despite snow rendering Tannadice Park unplayable, the match was able to go ahead across the road at Dens Park.

Tannadice is currently an all-seater with a capacity of 14,223.The Main Stand, built in 1962, was the first cantilever to be constructed at a Scottish football ground.For long periods of its history, only a small proportion of the ground contained seated accommodation. In the late 1980s the ground had 2,252 seats out of a total capacity of 22,310.

Tannadice Park is situated just 300 metres fromDens Park,home of neighboursDundee

The comparative age and proximity of their stadiums has led to various discussions about the possibility of both Dundee clubs moving to a new, purpose-built shared stadium. The most recent proposal was put forward as part of Scotland's bid to jointly host theUEFA Euro 2008championship,with several clubs seeking to benefit from a new stadium.With planning permission given to a proposed site at Caird Park,special dispensation was requested to proceed with the proposal,as rules at the time forbade SPL teams from groundsharing. Following Scotland's failed bid to host the tournament, the scheme was shelved,although it was resurrected in June 2008, following doubts about joint-hostUkraine's ability to stageEuro 2012,and theSFA's keenness to act as an alternative host.

In June 2024, Dundee United announced CalForth Construction as the stadium naming rights partner. As part of the agreement the stadium will be known as the CalForth Construction Arena at Tannadice Park until summer 2026.

League Attendance

The table below displays Dundee United's league attendances since 2010.

The highest attendance in that period came on 30 August 2019 when United beat their city rivals Dundee 6–2 in front a 14,108 crowd, their largest league attendance since 1998.In the same season United also set their highest average attendance and highest low attendance of the decade, these records being set despite the club residing in the second tier of theScottish Professional Football Leagueat the time. The lowest attendance of the 2019–20 season was larger than the highest attendance of the previous year, likely due to United's strong performance.

Due to United's failure to gain promotion back to the Scottish Premiership over the previous seasons and growing mistrust of the club chairman and owner, 2018–19 saw the lowest average attendance of the decade.The lowest attendance was set the season before.

Since the end of the decade, United's attendance figures have been hampered by theCOVID-19 Pandemic,however the clubs successes in the 2021–22 season led to the highest average attendance since 2020, despite the club being relegated.

The table doesnotinclude playoff attendances.

Dundee United Attendance 2010–2023

Season	Division	Tier	Place	Lowest Attendance	Highest Attendance	Average Attendance
2010–11	Scottish Premier League	1	4th	4,918	11,790	7,389
2011–12	Scottish Premier League	1	4th	5,232	11,741	7,496
2012–13	Scottish Premier League	1	6th	5,117	13,538	7,547
2013–14	Scottish Premiership	1	4th	5,784	12,601	7,548
2014–15	Scottish Premiership	1	5th	5,243	12,964	8,114
2015–16	Scottish Premiership	1	12th	4,689	11,835	7,969
2016–17	Scottish Championship	2	3rd	4,661	10,925	6,584
2017–18	Scottish Championship	2	3rd	3,620	6,936	5,505
2018–19	Scottish Championship	2	2nd	4,201	6,532	5,079
2019–20	Scottish Championship	2	1st	6,929	14,108	8,496
2020–21	Scottish Premiership	1	9th	0*	0*	0*
2021–22	Scottish Premiership	1	4th	0*	12,806	6,972
2022–23	Scottish Premiership	1	12th	7,430	12,599	8,625

*Spectators were not allowed to attend matches due to theCOVID-19 Pandemic.

Rivalries

Dundee United faced rivalsSt Johnstonein the2014 Scottish Cup Final

Dundee United's traditional rivals areDundee,with whom they compete in theDundee derby.The fixture was lacking a competitive element for a number of years until Dundee's return to the top flight of the Scottish game. A unique element of the rivalry lies in the fact that the clubs' stadiums are located within 100 yards of one another.

In spite of their rivalry, the two sides previously contemplated ground-sharing as part of theSFA's unsuccessful bid to hostEuro 2008.Perhaps the most notable meeting was the final game of the1982–83 Premier Divisionseason, where if United were victors at Dens Park, they would clinch the top flight title; United were victorious thanks to anEamonn Bannonwinner.

Another intense fixture is that of theNew Firmderby between United and North-East rivalsAberdeen.The match itself became one of fierce competition due to the domestic and European success the two sides achieved in the late 1970s and 1980s under the stewardship of United'sJim McLeanand Aberdeen'sAlex Ferguson.

The rivalry between Dundee United andRangershas become a significant fixture in Scottish football in recent times, marked by competitive intensity and off-the-pitch drama. It gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s when Dundee United, underJim McLean,challenged the dominance of Rangers and other Glasgow clubs. Key moments, such as Dundee United's1994 Scottish Cup finalvictory over Rangers, and various contentious league matches, heightened tensions.

The major spark for the rivalry between the two clubs was when Dundee United played a significant role in the relegation saga of Rangers during the2011–12 season,marked byRangers' financial turmoil.After Rangers entered administration and received a 10-point deduction, Dundee United delivered crucial defeats that added to Rangers' on-field struggles.

Alongside otherSPLclubs, Dundee United voted against allowing Rangers to retain their place in the top tier, leading to Rangers' demotion to theThird Division.United supporters expressed their views by saying season tickets will not be renewed unless the board voted against Rangers. ChairmanStephen Thompsonstated "The board of directors of Dundee United are unequivocal in the belief that a form of sporting punishment must form part of the reasoning behind any decision made and, therefore, cannot vote the newco into the SPL. General sporting integrity and, more importantly, the integrity of Scottish football must also play a significant part in the decision making process. It is our belief that any form of sporting punishment must be unambiguous in the message it displays. The board of directors will act in the best interest of Dundee United and our supporters and Scottish football on this matter."

The outcome of the vote, held on July 4, 2012, was that the majority of SPL clubs voted against allowing Rangers to retain their place in the top tier. As a result, Rangers were placed in theScottish Third Division(fourth tier) for the2012–13 season.Many media outlets claimed "When Rangers were on their knees, it was United who kicked them hardest."

Current squad

First-team squad

As of 24 October 2024

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules.Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player
1	GK	ENG	Jack Walton(on loan fromLuton Town)
2	DF	AUS	Ryan Strain
4	DF	SCO	Kevin Holt
5	DF	CRO	Vicko Ševelj
6	DF	SCO	Ross Graham
7	FW	MKD	Kristijan Trapanovski
9	FW	ENG	Louis Moult
10	MF	MKD	David Babunski(vice-captain)
11	DF	IRL	Will Ferry
12	MF	KEN	Richard Odada
13	GK	SCO	Jack Newman
14	MF	SCO	Craig Sibbald
15	MF	SCO	Glenn Middleton

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player
16	DF	IRL	Emmanuel Adegboyega(on loan fromNorwich City)
17	DF	ENG	Luca Stephenson(on loan fromLiverpool)
18	FW	SCO	Kai Fotheringham
19	FW	ENG	Sam Dalby(on loan fromWrexham)
20	FW	BOE	Jort van der Sande
23	MF	SCO	Ross Docherty(captain)
25	GK	WAL	Dave Richards
29	MF	SCO	Miller Thomson
31	DF	SCO	Declan Gallagher
39	MF	SCO	Scott Constable
42	FW	SCO	Owen Stirton
70	FW	NGA	Meshack Ubochioma

On loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined underFIFA eligibility rules.Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player
27	FW	SCO	Rory MacLeod(on loan atSouthampton)
30	MF	SCO	Lewis O'Donnell(on loan atQueen of the South)
32	FW	SCO	Tony Watt(on loan atMotherwell)
36	FW	SCO	Bryan Mwangi(on loan atBroxburn Athletic)

No.	Pos.	Nation	Player
37	DF	SCO	Samuel Cleall-Harding(on loan atKelty Hearts)
40	MF	SCO	Sean Borland(on loan atCumbernauld Colts)
41	GK	SCO	Ruairidh Adams(on loan atKelty Hearts)
43	FW	SCO	Adam Carnwath(on loan atCumbernauld Colts)

Staff

Position	Name
Manager	Jim Goodwin
Assistant manager	Lee Sharp
First team coach	Dave Bowman
Goalkeeping coach	Paul Mathers
Head of recruitment	Michael Cairney
Head of football operations	Ross Starke
Head of player care	Niall Nicolson
Academy director	Scott Allison
Head of player pathway and loans	Brian Grant
Head of player development	Andy Payne
Physiotherapist	Kevin Milne
Sports scientist	Ewan Anderson
First team analyst	Aidan Croll
Strength and conditioning coach	Allan Gartshore
Head of medical	Marcin Szostak
Kit coordinator	Andy Bryan

Achievements

League

Dundee United's first trophy came in 1925, when they won the1924–25Division Two championship. After two seasons in the top tier, they were relegated, but they won the Division Two title for a second time in1928–29.Immediate relegation followed and the club finished runners-up in 1931–32.Another runners-up spot was claimed in 1959–60, in managerJerry Kerr's first season, and from then club remained in the top division for the next 35-years.UnderJim McLean's management, the club won thePremier Divisiontitle for the only time, in1982–83,resulting inEuropean Cupfootball the following season. The title win was United's last major league success, although they finished runners-up in theFirst Divisionin1995–96,after nearly avoiding relegation the previous season, and in third place in their first season back in the Premier Division. A third lower league title was added in2019–20,after the curtailment of the campaign with United clear in 1st place and subsequently a fourth lower league title was added in2023–24,as United won the Championship title.

Cups

The club had to wait several decades before their first realistic chance at cup silverware, when they began the first of a six-game losing streak ofScottish CupFinal appearances in1974,losing 3–0 toCeltic.Towards the end of the 1970s, things began to change, with three successive appearances in theLeague CupFinal. United won their first major trophy with a 3–0 replay victory overAberdeenin the1979–80 Scottish League Cup Final.The club reached both cup finals in thefollowing season;while they retained the League Cup by winning 3–0 against rivalsDundee,United lost out again in the Scottish Cup with a replay defeat toRangers.United reached a third consecutive League Cup Final in1981–82,but failed to make it a hat-trick of wins as they lost 2–1 to Rangers.

United (in red) versusKilmarnockat Tannadice in the2013–14 Scottish Cup.

United suffered the agony of reaching three out of four Scottish Cup finals in the mid-1980s, only to lose them all by a single goal. First came a 2–1 defeat to Celtic in1984–85,compounded by a 1–0 League Cup final loss to Rangers in the same season; then a 1–0 defeat in extra time toSt Mirrenin1986–87;and finally, a last-minute 2–1 loss against Celtic the following year, despite being a goal ahead.A three-year gap ensued before the1990–91Scottish Cup final, which pitted Jim McLean against his brotherTommy,atMotherwell.The final was won 4–3 by 'Well, with United again losing in extra time.The sixth Cup Final loss was also the club's fifth final appearance in eleven years.

These defeats in cup finals atHampden Parkled to the Scottish football media claiming that United suffered from aHampden hoodoo,as they had failed to win ten cup finals played at the ground between 1974 and 1991.When the club reached the1994 Scottish Cup Final,managerIvan Golacdismissed talk of the hoodoo, even though opponentsRangerswere strong favourites to complete a domestic treble in the1993–94 season.United broke the supposed hoodoo and won the Scottish Cup for the first time whenCraig Brewster's goal gave them a 1–0 win.

Eleven years passed until the next Scottish Cup final appearance, when United lost 1–0 to Celtic in2005.Sandwiched in the middle of these appearances was a defeat on penalties toStenhousemuirin theScottish Challenge Cup(when United failed to concede a goal in the whole competition) and a 3–0 defeat to Celtic in the1997 Scottish League Cup Final.United then lost the2008 Scottish League Cup Finalon penalties to Rangers after the match had finished 2–2 after extra time. Dundee United won their next major trophy in 2010, under the guidance of managerPeter Houston,whenFirst DivisionsideRoss Countywere defeated 3–0 in the2010 Scottish Cup Final.David Goodwilliescored the first goal and Craig Conway scored the second and third goals in front of 28,000 Dundee United fans at Hampden Park.

United's 10th appearance in the Scottish Cup final came in2014,but the team lost 2–0 toSt JohnstoneatCeltic Park.The Tangerines reached the League Cup final the following year, but lost toCelticin thefinal.

Two years later, after the club's relegation from theScottish Premiership,they facedSt Mirrenin the2017 Scottish Challenge Cup Final.United won the game 2–1, marking the club's first silverware since2010.

Europe

Main article:Dundee United F.C. in European football

The club's first experience of Europe came in1966–67 seasonwhen, helped by a clutch of Scandinavian players, United defeatedInter-Cities Fairs CupholdersFC Barcelonaboth home and away. AlthoughJuventusproved too strong in the next round with a 3–1 aggregate victory, United made headlines and were asked to compete asDallas Tornadoin theUnited Soccer Associationleague in North America during the summer of 1967.

In 1981–82 they began a period in which they were competitive in European competition. In a six-year spell they reached one UEFA final, another semi-final and two quarter finals. After their only Premier Division win in 1983, the team reached the resulting semi-final of theEuropean Cupin 1984, losing 3–2 on aggregate toRoma.In 1987, the club went one better, reaching the final of theUEFA CupbeatingFC Barcelonain both the home and away fixtures en route to the final. Despite the 2–1 aggregate loss toIFK Gothenburgin the final, the club won the first-everFIFA Fair Play Awardfor their supporters' sporting behaviour after the final defeat.They were also awarded theBBC ScotlandSportsceneTeam of the Year for that seasons exploits in Europe.

Dundee United are famous for having a 100% record againstFC Barcelonain European fixtures (4 wins out of 4 matches), and remain the only British team to have achieved this feat.

The team entered the2022–23 UEFA Europa Conference Leagueat the third qualifying round, culminating in a 7–1 aggregate loss toAZ Alkmaar,the 7–0 second leg defeat matching the record greatest loss inflicted on a Scottish club in European competition.

Honours

League

• Scottish Premiership:
  • Winners:1982–83
• Scottish Championship:
  • Winners:1924–25,1928–29,2019–20,2023–24

Cups

• Scottish Cup:
  • Winners:1993–94,2009–10
  • Runners-up (8):1973–74,1980–81,1984–85,1986–87,1987–88,1990–91,2004–05,2013–14
• Scottish League Cup:
  • Winners:1979–80,1980–81
  • Runners-up (5):1981–82,1984–85,1997–98,2007–08,2014–15
• Scottish Challenge Cup:
  • Winners:2016–17
  • Runners-up:1995–96
• Summer Cup:
  • Runners-up:1964–65
• Scottish Qualifying Cup:
  • Runners-up:1913–14

Europe

• UEFA Cup:
  • Runners-up:1986–87
• European Cup:
  • Semi-finalists:1983–84

Other

• Forfarshire Cup:
  • Winners (21):1910–11,1914–15,1919–20,1928–29,1929–30,1947–48,1950–51,1953–54,1960–61,1962–63,1964–65,1968–69,1971–72,1974–75,1975–76,1976–77,1979–80,1984–85,1986–87,1987–88,2004–05
  • Runners-up (12)
• Scottish War Emergency Cup:
  • Runners-up:1940
• Evening Telegraph Challenge Cup:
  • Winners:2005
  • Runners-up: 2006

Youths

• SFL Youth League
  • Winners: 1996–97
  • Runners-up: 1997–98, 1999–00
• Scottish Youth Cup
  • Winners: 1990, 1991
  • Runners-up: 1989, 1998

Managers

Main article:List of Dundee United F.C. managers

The firstmanagerof Dundee Hibernian in 1909 wasPat Reilly.The club's longest serving and most successful manager,Jim McLean,held the position from 1971 to 1993, winning three major honours – theScottish Premier Divisiontitle in1982–83and theScottish League Cuptwice in1979and1980.Two Dundee United managers have won theScottish Cup–Ivan Golacin1994andPeter Houstonin2010.

Noted players

For a full list of current and former players with articles, seeCategory:Dundee United F.C. players.For a list of players who have played 100 or more matches in major competitions for the club, seelist of Dundee United F.C. players.

International players

This is a list of former and current players who have played at full international level while with the club. They are ordered by nationality and year of United debut below. Additionally, two goalkeepers –Pat Onstad(Canada) andKémoko Camara(Guinea) – were both capped while at Tannadice yet never played a first-team game for United.

Australia

• 2014Curtis Good
• 2015Ryan McGowan
• 2022Aziz Behich

Bonaire

• 2024Jort van der Sande

Canada

• 1998Jason de Vos
• 2004Lars Hirschfeld

Estonia

• 2015Henri Anier

Finland

• 1987Mixu Paatelainen
• 2021Ilmari Niskanen

Ghana

• 2007Prince Buaben

Iceland

• 1997Siggi Jónsson
• 2002Arnar Gunnlaugsson

Israel

• 1999Jan Talesnikov

Japan

• 2016Eiji Kawashima

Kenya

• 2024Richard Odada

Latvia

• 2010Pāvels Mihadjuks

Northern Ireland

• 1989Michael O'Neill
• 1998Iain Jenkins
• 1998Darren Patterson
• 2000Danny Griffin
• 2008Warren Feeney
• 2013Paul Paton
• 2015Billy Mckay
• 2021Trevor Carson

North Macedonia

• 2024David Babunski

Republic of Ireland

• 2022Jamie McGrath

Scotland

• 1973David Narey
• 1974Paul Hegarty
• 1974Paul Sturrock
• 1976Davie Dodds
• 1979Eamonn Bannon
• 1981Richard Gough
• 1981Maurice Malpas
• 1985Kevin Gallacher
• 1986Dave Bowman
• 1986Jim McInally
• 1986Billy McKinlay
• 1990Duncan Ferguson
• 1997Steven Thompson
• 1998Billy Dodds
• 2000Paul Gallacher
• 2000Charlie Miller
• 2003Barry Robson
• 2005Garry Kenneth
• 2005Lee Miller
• 2005David Goodwillie
• 2006Craig Conway
• 2008Scott Robertson
• 2009Andy Webster
• 2011Gary Mackay-Steven
• 2013Andrew Robertson
• 2019Lawrence Shankland

Senegal

• 2007Morgaro Gomis

Slovakia

• 2010Dušan Perniš
• 2018Pavol Šafranko

Sweden

• 1964Örjan Persson
• 1965Lennart Wing

Trinidad and Tobago

• 1993Jerren Nixon
• 2003Collin Samuel
• 2003Jason Scotland

Wales

• 2021Dylan Levitt

Yugoslavia

• 1988Miodrag Krivokapić

Hall of Fame

The club launched its official Hall of Fame in 2008, with seven inaugural members. A further six players were inducted in January 2009and seven more in January 2010. Since then six players have been inducted each year.

2008:

• Jimmy Briggs
• Finn Døssing
• Dennis Gillespie
• Paul Hegarty
• Maurice Malpas
• David Narey
• Doug Smith

2009:

• Eamonn Bannon
• Johnny Coyle
• Hamish McAlpine
• Peter McKay
• Ralph Milne
• Andy Rolland

2010:

• Dave Bowman
• John Clark
• Davie Dodds
• Stewart Fraser
• Billy Hainey
• Ian Mitchell
• Paul Sturrock

2011:

• Kenny Cameron
• John Holt
• Duncan Hutchison
• Frank Kopel
• Erik Pedersen
• Lennart Wing

2012:

• Arthur Milne
• Jim Irvine
• Billy Kirkwood
• Billy Thomson
• Brian Welsh
• Kjell Olofsson

2013:

• Johnny Hart
• Donald Mackay
• Örjan Persson
• George Fleming
• John Reilly
• Alan Main

2014:

• Billy McKinlay
• Willie Pettigrew
• Graeme Payne
• Lee Wilkie
• Tommy Millar
• Kevin Gallacher

2015:

• Derek Stark
• Jim McInally
• Mixu Paatelainen
• Christian Dailly
• Pat Reilly
• Jim McLean

2016:

• Sandy Davie
• Jerry Kerr
• Andy McLaren
• Frank Quinn
• Richard Gough
• Seán Dillon

2017:

• Davie Wilson
• Iain Phillip
• Guido van de Kamp
• Ian Redford

2019:

• Craig Brewster
• Ivan Golac
• Jimmy Brownlie
• Tommy Neilson

External links

• Official website
• ArabTRUST– The Dundee United Supporters' Society
• Federation of Dundee United Supporters' Clubs
• Dundee United– BBC My Club page