European run would be ‘game changer for us’, says United chief

Tony Asghar admits the potential riches on offer for a European run would be a “game changer” for Dundee United.

The Tangerines are set to participate in continental competition for the first time since 2013, entering the Europa Conference League at the third qualifying round.

Jack Ross’s charges will be unseeded for the draw and, with the likes of Anderlecht, Twente and Wolfsberger in the hat, could land an onerous opponent. However, if United were to claim a victory, they would be seeded for the play-off round – and one tie away from the group stage.

That would be worth well into seven figures.

“The financials of getting into Europe now are a game changer,” said Asghar. “The group stages can change the dynamic of a football club.

“The owner (Mark Ogren) has been quite clear – he’s looking to generate revenue from this football club. Getting into Europe, not just this year but on a regular basis, is going to give us that. It’s also going to increase the value of our players. It can’t be overlooked.

“Europe will put a lot of emphasis on how we go about our business and prepare for it.”

United will find out their opponent on July 18, with the fixtures taking place on August 4 and 11.

Asghar added: “We’ll do a lot of due diligence on teams we’re drawn against and hopefully the squad we have built will be good enough to go and challenge.”

Meanwhile, Asghar believes United’s continued progress in the face of managerial turnover is a testament to the club’s underlying structure.

Ross is the club’s third permanent boss since Robbie Neilson’s departure in 2020 – yet the Tangerines have claimed the Championship title, consolidated in the Premiership and then secured European football in successive campaigns.

“Managers will come and sometimes do so well that someone else will take them,” added Asghar.

“Or maybe the fit for what they have done for that period ends and we need to bring someone else in to take it to the next level. But I’m comfortable that we’ve kept the same philosophy and model. We’ve been able to add good managers at the right time.”

“Hopefully the squad we have built are good enough to challenge

Tony Asghar, left, during a United training session.