Buddies to pose big United threat

Tangerines boss fears for 100% record in Paisley clash

Dundee United manager Ray McKinnon has conceded that St Mirren pose a “huge threat” to his team’s 100% league record.

McKinnon would love to go into the international break that follows Saturday’s tricky-looking trip to Paisley with four wins out of four in the Championship.

The Tangerines do have an Irn-Bru Cup date with Alloa the day after Scotland play in Lithuania but it is the league that is focusing McKinnon’s mind.

Therefore, if they can beat the Buddies and cement their place at the top of the table then he will be a happy man.

“I think it would be a statement if we could win this game,” said the Tannadice boss.

“After that, we go into the international break and hopefully we can get there with four wins,” said McKinnon.

“It would be good to keep our run going.

“St Mirren are a good side and proved that on Saturday when they came back to win with 10 men against Livingston.

“They are decent and Jack (manager Ross) has done really well with them, recruiting very well.

“They will be a huge threat.

“So it will be a tough game but if we can go, perform and be bang at it like we can be then we will give ourselves a good chance. Then I think when we return from the international break we will be in pretty good shape.”

Asked if he thought St Mirren could run United closest of all in the title race this season, McKinnon said: “I think there are a lot of challengers out there.

“Falkirk and Inverness will come good; Queen of the South are decent and have made good signings; Dunfermline will be there as well; and St Mirren will also be involved.

“I think there will be five or six clubs thinking they can have a right go at it this season.

“What is important is that we are one of them.”