The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
There is so much to like about Dylan - it is a statement of intent
Ross hails new signing and insists Levitt can be real star
Jack Ross insists the sky is the limit for Dylan Levitt. And the Dundee United head coach reckons the Tangerines have issued a statement of intent by shelling out a six-figure fee to sign the Wales international from Manchester United.
Levitt, 21, penned a twoyear contract with United on Thursday evening, mere hours after they snapped up ex-Hibs and Scotland striker Steven Fletcher.
The precocious playmaker enjoyed a sensational loan stint at Tannadice last term, bagging six goals and one assist.
And, with Derby County and Cardiff City also interested in Levitt’s services, securing his signature on a permanent basis can only be considered a coup.
“That (ambition shown by paying a fee) is important,” said Ross.
“It shows a recognition that, to attract really good players to the club, you sometimes have to do that.
“It makes the team better and enables you to be competitive, finish in the top half of the table and win trophies.
“We are talking about a full international with ambitions to go to the World Cup. There are so many attractive things about Dylan Levitt as a player.
“It’s a really positive sign of intent that we have been willing to invest in him, in the belief he will be a major asset.”
While Levitt shone under Tam Courts last term, Ross – the Hibernian boss until December – admired the classy youngster from afar.
“I remember in the first (Premier Sports) Cup game at Tannadice (a 3-1 Hibs win), I was really impressed by Dylan,” he recalled.
“I was quite relieved when it became clear he’d miss the league game at Easter Road… then United beat us 3-0!”
Gallows humour aside, Ross has no doubt Levitt has the capability to reach the very top for club and country – and is relishing the opportunity to help shape his progress.
While his focus is on ensuring Levitt is standout for United, he knows that everyone will benefit if the player can fulfil his potential and one day secure a lucrative move.
“Dylan can do anything he wants in his career with the ability that he has,” Ross added.
“When I spoke to Dylan, it was about exactly that.
“Can I keep improving him to such an extent that he achieves what he wants to in his football career?
“And when you are working with players with such good raw materials to begin with, of course it makes it easier.
“I’ve seen his ability in a day-and-a-half of working with him.”
Levitt, meanwhile, insists his rapport with United supporters helped to fuel his return to fitness and dazzling end to last season.
He was named Supporters’ Player of the Year at United’s end-ofseason awards ceremony, underlining the affection with which he is held. And the feeling is mutual. “I was amazingly proud (to win the award), for me and my family – because they come up to watch quite a few games as well,” said Levitt.
“It’s always good to have a positive relationship with the fans. Throughout the season, especially after Christmas, they played a massive part for me.
“They really helped me come back from injury quickly, hit the ground running and continue that confidence throughout the last three or four months of the season.”
Expanding on the lure of Tannadice, he told DUTV: “Playing games, getting better and I think there’s more to this team from last year.
“The fans were a massive part of it, and the players and staff are all easy to get along with.”
Levitt also attracted interest from Derby County and Cardiff City following a sensational season in Scotland.
However, the knowledge that he would be a central figure for United – particularly as Qatar 2022 looms – was key.
“I’m at the age now where I need to play games,” continued Levitt.
“You don’t want to go somewhere where you’re not playing, especially leading up to the World Cup.
“When you get more games, you get more confident and I want to showcase what I can do.”
Indeed, Levitt now boasts 12 caps for Rob Page’s national side and, barring an unforeseen dip in form or fitness concerns, appears in pole position to book a seat on the flight to the Middle East.
Levitt added: “It is every boy’s dream, watching your country in a finals, especially during Euro 2016.
“The whole nation has come together a lot since then and this is another major tournament to be proud of.”