Andreu double wins it for United
IT was probably asking too much for Morton to beat United twice in four days, especially as they haven’t won at Tannadice for 38 years.
Yet until Tony Andreu broke the deadlock in the 64th minute, this game could have gone either way. United had more possession but Morton looked more dangerous on the break.
If the outstanding Jai Quitongo had received more support up front, Morton could have pulled off a sensational double.
As it was, a late double from Norwich City loanee Tony Andreu, the second coming in time added on, saw United over the line.
By time Sean Dillon deflected a Ross Forbes free-kick into his own net even later, it was too little too late for Morton.
Afterwards, Morton manager Jim Duffy revealed he was none too happy with referee Barry Cook.
“I thought a couple of challenges on Jai were debatable to say the least,” he said.
“However it appears unless you exaggerate your fall or badger the ref, you don’t get anything.
“The ref said afterwards we didn’t make anything of these incidents.
“That’s because we tell our players to stay on their feet and not surround the ref.
“The result is a travesty.
“We didn’t deserve to lose, so I’m frustrated we got nothing.”
Morton came closest to scoring in the first half when Aiden Nesbitt struck the post from 18 yards after a spell of sustained pressure.
United moved Nick van der Velden into the middle and Simon Murray out wide left after the break and that definitely made a difference.
However, it wasn’t until Tope Obadeyi replaced Blair Spittal just after the hour mark that United really burst into life.
Obadeyi pounced on a deflected Paul Dixon shot and crossed for Andreu to fire into the roof of the net despite keeper Andrew McNeil getting both hands to the shot.
As Morton pushed for an equaliser
United broke away and grabbed a second when Andreu ran on to a Murray pass and drilled the ball low into the net.
United manager Ray McKinnon was full of praise for Andreu afterwards.
“He’s worth his weight in gold, that’s for sure.
“Because of injuries we had to play Tony a wee bit deeper yet he still came up with two goals.
“Now we’ll look to get him into the right area further up the park.
“We need to figure out our best pairing up front.
“It’s a bit of a conundrum at present.
“In the end, this was all about getting three points, especially after losing so late at Falkirk last week, coupled with all our injury problems.”
After such a hesitanct start to the season, United’s confidence is fragile at present.
However they now have a week to work things out before their next game, against second-top Hibs at Easter Road, next Sunday.