Diver Paul lands in hot water with boss
CSABA LASZLO slammed diving United winger Paul McMullan after watching his 10-man side get their title charge back on track.
The Tannadice men moved to within three points of leaders St Mirren with a game in hand thanks to this thumping win over bottom-dogs Brechin.
But McMullan’s cheap 57th-minute dismissal for going to ground too easily, which earned him a second yellow, left the Tannadice gaffer far from pleased.
The Hungarian said: “It’s a huge mistake from Paul. He’s an experienced player who knows he has already been booked.
“Diving at the moment is one of the most heaviest and easiest punishments.
“This is the second time he has picked up a booking for diving this season. This is not OK. I have spoken to the player and I’m not closing my eyes to this.”
United were bidding to bounce back from their 2-0 defeat away to St Mirren last Friday and left their opponents shell-shocked within 43 seconds.
Billy King released Jamie Robson and his cutback fell for Scott McDonald who unleashed a left-foot shot from 14 yards which beat Brechin keeper Graeme Smith.
United increased their lead minutes later.
James Keatings delivered a clever corner for Sam Stanton who made it 2-0 with a fierce left-foot shot.
Laszlo’s men killed the contest after the break when Cammy Ballantyne’s cross was swept into the net by McDonald.
Keatings then netted from the spot after Smith brought down McDonald.
McMullan was stupidly ordered off and Jordan Sinclair scored from the spot after Tam Scobbie fouled him in the box but United held on.
Glebe Park boss Darren Dods said: “The start of the game killed us.”