Confident Pars, Declan in form but home fans can help win it

As Dundee United prepare to host Dunfermline in the return leg of the Premiership play-off quarter-final, Ian Roache looks at five things we learned from the first game.

1 Dunfermline are confiDent they can still win.

The words were accompanied by a steely stare and you definitely believed manager Allan Johnston when he said his players still expect to go through despite being held to a goalless draw at home.

2 Declan mcmanus shoulD start for the Pars.

He sat on the bench kicking his heels until the 25th minute when he replaced the injured Andy Ryan but McManus posed a real threat to United’s defence for the rest of the game and was the stand-out player on the night.

3 uniteD neeD more of a goal threat.

In the first half they hardly bothered the Dunfermline backline and simply have to create more in the final third at Tannadice if they are to go through.

4 scott fraser shoulD Play in a central role.

The Tangerines lacked creativity until the Pars went down to 10 men and Fraser was not as effective in the wider position as he would have been inside.

5 the home fans can helP tiP the balance.

There was an excellent turnout of United supporters on Tuesday and they can be expected to get right behind their team tomorrow. They can help United get over the line.

Dundee United may benefit from Scott Fraser playing in central role.