EARLY CANCELLATION SURPRISES SMITH

Prior to United's SPL meeting at Aberdeen being called off on Friday afternoon, boss Alex Smith had been expressing concern as to the Pittodrie pitch inspection taking place at such an early stage. In his experience, wet weather threatening a fixture is usually given a chance to clear, with a conditions check tending to be left until match days.

The early cancellation has now handed United a second idle weekend on the trot. Smith said, "For as long as I can remember, when the problem is rain, the pitch inspection has always taken place nearer kick-off time. I'm not sure as to the reason for such an early check this time."