Watt shows ability to lift Tangerines

It was the moment Dundee United fans had been waiting for since Christmas – Tony Watt making his debut. But as striker Watt found his new side two goals down to St Mirren within minutes of coming off the bench at Tannadice on Tuesday, it wasn’t going to be his night.

There will be better times for Dundee United and, undoubtedly, better nights to remember for Watt.

But with the 2-1 loss consigning United to their sixth defeat in a row, the fans will hope the turnaround starts now.

Courier Sport was at Tannadice and here are three things we learned from the game:

Tony Watt and Marc Mcnulty can spark Dundee United into life:

It wasn’t Marc Mcnulty’s best game. Far from it.

But the fact he was back on the pitch after 117 days out was a bonus in itself.

United boss Tam Courts has spoken frequently of Mcnulty’s impatience to get back playing again after four months out with injury.

And there’s no doubt that when Mcnulty gets up to speed he’ll add a new dimension to the United attack.

The same goes for Watt. He shouldn’t need as much time as Mcnulty to hit the ground running as he was playing regularly and scoring goals for Motherwell.

In his second-half runout he played a delicious through ball that almost set Kieran Freeman up for a late leveller.

On their own, this duo will add quality to the United attack. Together they COULD be an awesome force.

Dundee United need a win NOW:

It’s testament to how well Dundee United performed at the start of the season that they aren’t embroiled in a relegation battle right now.

Recent results simply haven’t been good enough.

Six straight losses have seen them drop out of the top six.

And instead of looking up, they will be glancing worryingly over their shoulder at what lies below.

United were below par in the first half:

But in the second period they played with a zip and determination that will win them points.

They need those points quickly.

Man of the match Kieran Freeman?:

He was only on the park for 22 minutes as a substitute but what an impact Kieran Freeman made.

Freeman’s enviable enthusiasm for the game and lung-busting runs down the right flank ripped St Mirren apart.

He came close to setting up a goal, forced Alan Power’s own-goal and almost netted a late leveller for the Tangerines.

But perhaps, more tellingly, Freeman was visibly willing his teammates on to avoid defeat.

Surely, this display will merit a start in the clash against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park in the Scottish Cup on Saturday.

FIRST GAME: Tony Watt has already shown signs of forming a deadly partnership with Kieran Freeman.