Christmas store for Utd

December 31 v Dumbarton at Cheaper Insurance Direct Stadium

The United squad won’t need telling how difficult going to the Rock can be — they suffered their first loss of the season down there in August as a Mark Docherty penalty gave the Sons all three points.

The Tangerines have since gained a measure of revenge with a 2-1 win in October. A Gregor Buchanan own goal and William Edjenguele effort was enough for the home side.

January 6 v Hibs at Easter Road

Dundee United have lost only once to Hibs in their last nine meetings (not including the penalty shoot-out in last season’s Scottish Cup semi-final) stretching back to 2012.

The Edinburgh side themselves face a difficult few weeks — home to Dumbarton, then away to Morton, followed by a home game against Raith and a trip to Falkirk.

Friday’s win was a vital one for the Tangerines but the next fours weeks are just as important and will sorely test United’s capabilities as a potential league winner.

Another factor that might affect whether McKinnon can bring in some new faces will be the lack of much-needed revenue from home crowds — if you extend the timescale, United have a punishing schedule of eight away ties from their 10 league and cup fixtures between now and the start of February.

That’ll need plenty of character, determination and quality to keep up their charge toward promotion over the coming weeks.

five Championship fixtures including a trip to Easter Road to face Hibs — the side the Tangerines beat 1-0 on Friday.