Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Ray is delighted with Utd’s positive attitude
RAY McKinnon has praised his players’ determination to go for all three points, even when they were reduced to 10 men at Raith Rovers on Saturday.
In the end, United had to settle for a draw and, having played most of the second half at Stark’s Park a man down after Lewis Toshney was red carded in the 54th minute for a second booking, it didn’t look a bad point.
There was, though, frustration in the Tangerines’ camp that, having done most of the attacking in that second period, it was not a win.
“We did walk away disappointed we didn’t earn the three points,” admitted the gaffer.
“But, for me, there were lots of positives. That’s six clean sheets in a row now and I thought the attitude of the players to win the game, even with 10 men, was fantastic.
“I’ve nothing but praise for that bunch right at this minute in time.”
Rather than try to hang on for a point after Toshney got his marching orders, Ray threw on striker Simon Murray and played two up front for the last half-hour or so.
He was delighted with the way his players bought into that.
“Sometimes with 10 men it’s easy to just go 4-4-1 and just try to hold on. We thought we’d go 4-3-2 and have a go.
“We put Tony Andreu up top with Simon Murray when he came on and it really worked for us.
“I moved Scott Fraser from the left as well. I’ve always said I play him out of position for the good of the team, but what a player he is and it would be good to get him in the middle of the park.
“Overall, the players were very positive and believed in the 4-3-2 formation. We tried and a lot of credit goes to them for that.”
And the Dundee United boss refused to lay any blame at the door of Andreu, who missed a golden opportunity to get the winner when he saw a late penalty saved.
“He played well and, even after the penalty, he was outstanding. There is no blame on Tony Andreu because he has been outstanding for us since he arrived.
“We are probably better giving Kevin Cuthbert credit for getting down there. It was a great save.”
Toshney’s early bath means he will miss Saturday’s Tannadice clash with lowly St Mirren.
And coach Darren Taylor will also be in bother with the SFA after he was sent to the stand for something he said to the assistant referee in the wake of the sending off.