Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Loan-star Levitt how about Utd’s
ANOTHER pivotal summer of recruitment lies ahead for Dundee United.
As ever, there will be hits and misses – such is life at a Scottish Premiership club – but the aim will be to unearth a few more Dylan Levitts.
Here, we cast an eye over the good, the bad and the anonymous of United’s 2021/22 incomings.
DYLAN LEVITT 9
Levitt arrived on loan from Manchester United last summer as a relative unknown.
The pedigree was there – a Wales internationalist with a peerless footballing education at Old Trafford.
Most Arabs, though, would be fibbing if they were to claim a familiarity with his efforts during spells with Charlton or Croatian side Istra. However, the 21-year-old grew into a talisman for United.
Quite simply, Levitt was the heartbeat of Tam Courts’ outfit, dictating the tempo, breaking the lines with slick passing and, latterly, adding a genuine goal threat to his game.
United will undoubtedly pull out all the stops in a bid to get him back at Tannadice next term.
CHARLIE MULGREW 8
Concerns over Mulgrew’s longevity have been swept away during a super campaign for the ex-Scotland and Celtic star.
In his second spell with United, the 36-year-old played 37 games – even starring in midfield towards the end of the season – and found the net three times, including a derby day stunner.
He was one of the pillars of a stoic backline, with the European qualification built more on defensive solidity than attacking endeavours.
Moreover, Mulgrew’s nous and leadership were invaluable additions, particularly given the relative inexperience possessed by a coaching staff of Courts, Liam Fox and Adam Asghar.
TONY WATT 7
Joining from Motherwell in January, Watt was the Premiership’s top scorer with 10 goals.
He would go on to ripple the net just once for United. However, that only tells half the story. If that.
Watt was deployed in a more creative, deeper role by boss Courts, running himself into the ground to make things happen for others.
Even as recently as the final game of the season against Ross County, Watt’s clever crossfield pass opened up the game and allowed Kieran Freeman to tee up Nicky Clark’s winner. Cue delirium. His time at United has been peppered with moments like that. Nevertheless, it will be intriguing to see whether the Tangerines pursue a hard-working second striker this summer to allow Watt to play as a recognised No 9 and get back on the goal trail.
ILMARI NISKANEN 6
The Finland internationalist appeared an inspired capture when he joined United from Ingolstadt, bagging three assists and one goal from his opening six games.
However, his form fell away, with United’s switch to a 3-5-2 seeing him deployed in a more defensive role.
His performances were never anything other than tireless and diligent – always appreciated by the supporters – but the challenge for next season, by his own admission, will be to add more end product.
SCOTT MCMANN 6
McMann is the sort of player every Scottish Premiership side requires. Preferably a couple, actually. An unsung hero.
The former Hamilton youngster showcased an incredible engine, tough tackling and, crucially, the versatility to operate across the back-line and as a wing-back.
Although not always a guaranteed starter (he made 32 appearances), McMann never let anyone down and ensured the absence of Jamie Robson, who departed for Lincoln City, was not too keenly felt.
MARC MCNULTY 5 “Sparky” endured a maddening second season on loan from Reading.
The Scotland internationalist suffered a hamstring injury in October, resulting in surgery and a frustrating rehab period. Upon battling back to full fitness, McNulty found the net against Aberdeen and, unforgettably, bagged a 96th-minute winner in a 2-1 win over St Mirren.
However, his campaign was prematurely ended by a serious knee injury sustained in a fluke collision