Ton manager Hopkin tips United to win title

CHAMPIONSHIP: Greenock side’s boss says Tangerines have what it takes after 6-0 thrashing at Tannadice

Dundee United have been tipped to win the Championship by the man whose team they demolished at Tannadice.

Morton manager David Hopkin can’t see past the Tangerines when it comes to the title this season.

Hopkin knows what it takes to win promotion after achieving it with Livingston via the play-offs at the end of season 2017-18, beating United in the semi-final.

He has also just seen the two Dundee teams at close quarters on successive Saturdays, leading his players to a 1-0 home win over James Mcpake’s Dark Blues before a 6-0 hammering at Tannadice.

That has left Hopkin convinced that Robbie Neilson’s men are on their way back to the Premiership.

Hopkin said: “Dundee United are a very good side.

“They have quality players all over the pitch.

“They have pace, power and rotation. “They’ve really got everything and that’s why I think they will be champions of this league.

“Both Dundee teams have got strong squads but the way Lawrence Shankland is playing just now I don’t see anyone catching them.

“There is still a long way to go. “But at this moment in time you are looking at where Dundee are in the league.

“And the more the gap (now nine points) grows the more you have to obviously favour United.”

Meanwhile, Tangerines boss Neilson has urged the fans to back them in numbers at Alloa on Friday.

The match has a 7.05 kick-off as it will be shown live on TV and that poses a challenge to supporters who may have to leave work or college early in order to make the start.

Neilson appreciates that and clearly appreciates the backing his team has already received this season, with a very healthy 7,404 crowd attending Saturday’s six-goal exhibition.

He said: “Hopefully, we can take a good support down to Alloa. I know it’s a Friday night match on the TV and that it’s a 7.05 kick-off.

“But we hope our fans go there in numbers because the backing we get from the supporters is so important to the players.

“The home fans have been great and the away fans have been phenomenal.

“We need that again on Friday because the season isn’t won or lost with this result (against Morton).

“We need to do it at Alloa then down at Queen of the South after the break – two tough challenges.”

Picture: SNS Group. Morton manager David Hopkin after their 6-0 loss to Dundee United at Tannadice.