JIM GOODWIN | WE'VE GOT TO BE UP FOR THE SCRAP

United Manager Jim Goodwin reveals he was invigorated by Saturday’s performance but admits performances must turn into points quickly to ensure the Terrors start climbing the table heading into the final 11 matches of the season. 

He began, “I think there is plenty of encouragement to take from the 90. Of course, we were desperate for the result but I definitely saw clear signs that the players have taken on board what we’d asked them to do in the short 48 hours we had to work with them.

“We’re at a stage of the season now where results are more important than performances, we’re not going to get any pats on the back for playing well but losing games.”

Attacking Intent

The Irishman’s first game in charge brought a visible difference to United’s attacking potency, with 24 attempts on Jay Gorter’s net throughout the match. In addition to this, a hail of 35 crosses were whipped into the Dons’ penalty area.

“The part we are all looking back on with considerable frustration is the fact we started the game really well - especially in the first 25 minutes. We were putting some great balls into the box, pinning Aberdeen back and had numerous opportunities.

“There were some really good individual performances but for me, its about the collective unit. If we can continue in that vein going forward consistently, we give ourselves a brilliant chance of survival.”

Ultimately, United left empty-handed despite the positive display after a flurry of late goals from the visitors. 

“Unfortunately there were a number of mistakes in the build-up to the goals we conceded - these things happen but in the situation we are in we can’t be gifting goals to the opposition.

"The supporters saw a performance from a group of players who showed they cared."

Digestible Messaging

With 11 games until the end of the season, the 41-year-old, along with his assistant Lee Sharp, wants to relay a consistent, digestible message to the playing squad to ensure a quick upturn in results. 

"I think the confidence of the group is obviously rocked given the circumstances. There are a number of players at the minute who are low on confidence.

"I’m big on intensity and hard work in training. We’ve not asked the guys to do anything out of the ordinary in terms of that commitment and level of effort.

"Essentially, we want guys to show us in training, that they are 100% committed to the cause - up to now they have been but if any of that drops off then we’ll have some decisions to make."

Third Time Lucky At The Toni Macaroni Arena

Focus for Goodwin's men now turns to the twice-rearranged visit to Livingston, our game in hand on the teams surrounding us in the table. A known quantity in their fifth consecutive season in the top flight, Livingston perhaps pose a different style of challenge than Aberdeen.

"I spoke to the players and said if we have to grind out results and win ugly so be it. Now is not the time to be talking about philosophies and styles of play - it's about getting the results required. 

"David is a very good coach and he’s adapted his style of management over the past few years. Livingston were known as a direct long-ball team and he’s tactically made some changes - they don’t get the credit they deserve for being as good a football team as they are.

"We always respect the opposition but I tend not to focus too much on them. We do our own analysis on them and give the players as much info as necessary on the day. You know what you’re going to get with Livingston - a full-blooded committed performance.

"First, we’ll go and match their effort and then hope the quality we have within the group will come out on top. We’ve got to be up for the scrap and win our individual battles."

Team News

Rounding off, Goodwin offered a brief update on the availability of the squad ahead of the trip to West Lothian. 

"Peter Pawlett and Glenn Middleton have made good progress behind the scenes. They are two very influential players so we’re trying to push them as quickly as we can without causing any more damage. We have the bulk of the squad from Saturday with one or two question marks."

Watch the Gaffer's press conference in full below!