UNITED CAN NOW HAVE DERBY EDGE
CHARLIE MULGREW is in no doubt the attacking additions of Ilmari Niskanen, Dylan Levitt and Marc McNulty can give Dundee United a derby-day cutting edge.
The Tannadice side were criticised at times for being too defensive last season but that is something new head coach Tam Courts has actively tried to change.
Courts has brought striker McNulty back from English Championship Reading and has also brought in playmaker Levitt and winger Niskanen who will not only add a cutting edge but should also bring creativity.
United drew a blank in the draw with St Mirren in Paisley at the weekend but they still created chances.
This Sunday, however, they have home advantage as James McPake’s Dundee come across the street for the derby.
Mulgrew said: “Hopefully, we want these players to come in and help the squad and we need to help them.
“It’s a team game, we defend as a team and attack as a team and we need to get them the ball in areas they can create and score and do their thing. It’s the same when the other team has the ball, they have to get into areas where they can help us defend.
“We do everything together, it’s a complete team responsibility, attacking and defending.”
The Tannadice clash is likely to be a sellout with both teams now back in the Premiership but Mulgrew knows it is up to him and his United team mates to set the early tempo.
It has the making of an almighty atmosphere and the veteran has urged the United fans to replicate the Rangers game, as they helped play their part in the toppling of Steven Gerrard’s champions.
Mulgrew can also dig into his derby day experience that he has amassed during his time with Celtic.
Mulgrew acknowledged: “I think it is up to us early in games to give the supporters something to cheer about and get them on their feet.
“They can then help us get through games and get behind us.
“But it starts with us on the pitch, showing we are up for the challenge and the fight.”