Goalie Siegrist set to feature against Rangers in midweek

organised and physical Livingston team

“I thought we stood up to it very well and we matched them physically which was something as a manager you’re pleased when you know you have that in the locker.

“During the season, we’re going to face that at different times in games. Knowing you’re capable of doing that, you’ll be pleased.

“We’ll get better at certain things, of course. When we work overloads from the back and we come out with good possession, we want to be better when we play into the forward areas in order to make some chances.

“We possibly had the better chances in the game. I’m pleased with what I learned. I understand what we need to work at next week, moving forward to playing Rangers on Wednesday.

“It was a valuable run-out. We’ll improve as pre-season goes on and get that wee bit more quality into the group in the next couple of games.”

Meanwhile, United ace Louis Appere was delighted to be back in action at Tannadice.

The 21-year-old enjoyed the battle with Gary Holt’s outfit, who finished fifth in Scotland’s top flight last season.

He said: “It was a good test and a good physical battle. Everyone knows what Livingston are about and I think we stood up to that.

“It was nice walking out in the warm-up and just to be back at Tannadice was a good feeling.”

The forward – outstanding in the Championship title-winning campaign under ex-boss Robbie Neilson – says the squad are quickly adapting to life under new gaffer Mellon.

He said: “We’re getting there and things are looking good.

“It’s still early days but a lot of it has a big emphasis on pressing the ball quickly, getting it back and hitting the front man – not a long ball – when you can.

“It’s about then having bravery and composure on the ball and keeping the ball.”

Dundee United boss Micky Mellon barks instructions to his team during Saturday’s friendly against Livingston at Tannadice.