United boss Alex Smith pulled no punches today as he admitted his team’s long run without a win was now totally unacceptable. The Tangerines’ 2-0 loss to neighbours Dundee leaves them without a victory in 15 SPL fixtures this season, and knowing it is now 11 months since they rewarded their long-suffering fans with three points from a Tannadice fixture. While Alex felt the derby was closer than reports suggested, he was not hiding from the facts today.

"The bottom line is that this has gone on far too long. It is ridiculous that we have not won this season, and we now must make sure that changes very soon," he said. "It won’t, though, unless we address the kind of individual errors that cost us the goals on Saturday. It’s something that has happened too often and that must change. "At the other end we must also start scoring, and at least I felt we created chances - now we have to start taking them." Despite those problems, and being eight points behind second-bottom St Mirren, Alex remains convinced his men can escape the relegation zone, and believes they will be boosted this weekend when he can play all his recent signings for the first time. "Jim Lauchlan will be back from suspension, and he has made an impact since he came here. Charlie Miller and Beto Naveda have also shown what they can do, and I am sure Jamie Fullarton will add something to the side."

In addition to Lauchlan’s return, United should have skipper Jason de Vos available, though his involvement in Canada’s World Cup qualifier with Mexico this week means the decision will be a late one. "As I’ve said before, we will have to check on Jason when he comes back to see how fresh he is feeling and he will only play if it is in the best interests of the team."

Tonight, United’s under-21s visit Dundee (7 pm), and Icelandic trialist Thorim Kristjansson will play if he recovers from a minor knock. ©Evening Telegraph