United 0 Motherwell 3

United experienced a dreadful result at Tannadice tonight, going down to a 3-0 defeat by second bottom Motherwell. McManus headed the visitors in front in the first half and a double from McDonald after the break gave the visitors a deserved three points. By Gareth Scott Mixu Paatelainen made just the one change to the side that started the goalless draw at Hamilton on Saturday. Ryan Dow dropped out completely with Paul Dixon returning to the starting eleven. New signing Edward Ofere was listed amongst the substitutes as was the returning Riku Riski. Former United man Morgaro Gomis started for Motherwell as did the experienced James McFadden. First Half: In the opening minute Rankin took advantage of a mistake by Laing but his effort at goal went well wide of target. Five minutes later the visitors had a chance but the ball was cleared from the feet of Moult. Lasley then fed Johnson who cut inside and curled a shot past the far post. Mckay and Murray then combined but the ball just failed to reach Rankin. With a quarter of an hour on the clock United went close when Spittal's cross was chested down by Demel and then his overhead kick was deflected wide. Seven minutes later United had their best chance of the half when great play involving Demel and Rankin ended with Spittal turning in the box and forcing a fine save from Ripley. In what was a very poor opening period of football there was little between the sides but just as the half drew to a close United were dealt a huge blow. Dillon conceded a free kick on the right. McFadden swung the ball into the United box and a glancing header from McManus gave Kawashima no chance. Second Half: Nine minutes after the break United were so unlucky not to equalise when a cross from Spittal was headed goal bound by Rankin but unbelievably it hit Billy Mckay and the ball was cleared. Two minutes later there was a scramble in the box and both Demel and substitute Ofere had swipes at the ball but eventually the danger was cleared by the visitors. United were trying to get back in the game and Murray was next to go close but Ripley saved low to his right. With 25 minutes left United unbelievably failed to equalise. Rankin played a long ball into the box which was punched by Ripley but the ball landed on the head of Spittal who headed against the crossbar with the goal gaping. Despite United's efforts to get back in the game they fell further behind with 20 minutes left. A corner to the back post by Law evaded the United defence and the unmarked McDonald fired into the roof of the net. Motherwell were clearly buoyed by their second goal and went on the hunt for the killer third and twice were denied by saves from Kawashima. First of all he tipped a McDonald effort round the post and then straight after he saved a powerful shot from Johnson. Ten minutes from the end United's dismal night was complete. McDonald gathered the ball twenty yards from goal and his fierce shot gave Kawashima no chance. Towards the end United did try to find a consolation but it wasn't to be. Summing up - a terrible night for United in what was described beforehand as a must win game. They will be wondering where to go from here but with a home game to come on Saturday they will have to regroup and go for the three points. Teams:  United: Kawashima, Dillon, Dixon (Fraser 55), Paton, McKay (Ofere 55), Rankin, Murray, Gunning, Spittal,Donaldson, Demel (Riski 80) Subs : Zwick, Knoyle, Durnan, Sinama-Pongolle Motherwell: Ripley, Laing, Hall, Cadden, Johnson (Hammell 89), Lasley, McManus, Moult, McDonald (Fletcher 89), McFadden (Law 64),Gomis Subs : Samson, Leitch, Thomas, Ainsworth Referee : Greg Aitken Attendance : 6251