Neilson calls on United to respond to big defeat

Dundee United boss Robbie Neilson has challenged his players to ensure their season does not “spiral” out of control after being thrashed 5-0 by Championship leaders Ayr United at Tannadice.

It was a stunning and depressing result for home fans who thought their team had turned a corner under Neilson.

Now the gaffer wants a win down at Morton in a week’s time to show that they aren’t about to throw away all the good work since he took charge.

Neilson said: “I am hugely disappointed. It was an opportunity for us to put on a performance and show the fans how far we have come. We didn’t do that tonight. We have had pats on the back for the past six weeks. There have been some great results – five wins and a draw.

“We will have to take the slap now that comes from a result like that. It’s part of football. This is a test now, not just for the team but for the staff, the club and the fans – everyone.

“You can crumble or you can dig it out. I want to dig it out and there are boys in that dressing room who want to dig it out.

“Are we going to let this spiral or will we stick together and make sure we go to Cappielow next week and get three points? This performance was nowhere near acceptable – we know that – but we have to move on. The manner of the last three goals in particular was disappointing for me.

“We had a wee period when we were doing all right and had we scored that could have changed the game. To then go three, four and five down wasn’t acceptable. As a club we have had some difficult periods over the last few years. This is another one. It is about how we respond that matters now.

“I believe that we have been on the right track but you get bumps in the road. This was a boulder in the road. It is what happens next that will tell a story.”

Meanwhile, talk of American investment in the club has resurfaced.

There have been reports that discussions are ongoing between United and a consortium with a view to them taking over, and that this could happen imminently.

Their identity remains a secret though, and United are not making any comment.