Frustrated United boss fires warning

ST MIRREN 3 UNITED 2: McKinnon disappointed by players’ approach in defeat by Buddies

Dundee United boss Ray McKinnon kept his players in the away dressing-room long after the final whistle at Paisley last night following his side’s desperately disappointing defeat against St Mirren.

The manager was far from happy with his side’s display in defeat and he warned that with players fighting for contracts next season, they will have to up their standards or else.

United went behind in just the second minute with St Mirren adding another two and although McKinnon’s men scored a double of their own through Tony Andreu – with the same player also hitting the woodwork – the Buddies held on to take all three Championship points.

The United boss said: “I am disappointed. We spoke about starting the game properly but we lost a goal in the second minute. “It was really frustrating. “We were on top for long periods in the second half but we killed ourselves in the first half.

“We are certainly not meeting the standards that are expected right now.

“It is worrying that the guys needed to go out tonight and start the game on the front foot and they never did it.

“They need to be able to motivate themselves and it is something we need to keep working at.

“I am sure it will change in due course but I am disappointed with them tonight.”

When asked if there had been a lengthy discussion in the dressing-room, McKinnon said: “There was. You need to question their consistency levels. Tonight we shot ourselves in the foot three times.

“Our players have got to do better than that. We set better standards and they have to get back to that and quickly.

“There are a lot of them playing for contracts next season.”

A delighted St Mirren boss Jack Ross said: “It was a tough game but we started well.

“I think we probably had the clearer opportunities in the game.

“The confidence in the group is there now which is brilliant. I have always had a belief in them, particularly since the window closed and we made the changes.

“We are still in the most difficult position in the league and that has not changed but we were written off not that long ago by quite a lot of people and we are now back in amongst it.

“I believe we will continue to pick up points.”

Picture: SNS Group. Two-goal Tony Andreu shows his frustration during last night’s defeat at St Mirren Park.

Ray McKinnon has called for return to “better standards”.