For United as mounting up

It also represented a challenge for the manager and, not for the first time, he showed tactical nous by refusing to simply try to shut up shop after the red card and hold on for a result.

Instead, McKinnon kept urging his players forward when prudent to do so and was rewarded with a 2-1 victory.

On Saturday past came the kind of day that faces every fancied side, the ones where everyone but the opposition expects them to win at a canter.

Thanks in no small part of the astute tactics of the Brechin management team Darren Dods and Stevie Campbell, two men with strong United connections, things did not work out that way and United struggled to achieve their expected dominance.

It’s worth pointing out on such occasions last season, the Tangerines drew and lost and valuable points slipped away.

This time, while way below the level of performance of which they are capable, McKinnon’s men found a way to win.

Yes it was via a scrappy goal but that doesn’t matter, for the league table only showed another three important points picked up.

And that ability to win when faced with a variety of different challenges is why, right now, United and their fans can feel very encouraged.

Even if there remains a very long way to go.

McDonald (right), whose only goal of the game against Brechin sealed another three league points for Dundee United.