Crazy own goal costs United as Ross eyes reinforcements

JACK ROSS admits he is desperate to add at least four experienced outfield players to bolster his youthful squad.

The Dundee United manager took charge at Tannadice for the first time against his former club Sunderland, with the Black Cats securing victory thanks to second-half goals from Trai Hume and a spectacular effort into his own net from Charlie Mulgrew.

Ross, who started Rory MacLeod — aged just 16 — up front, is desperate to bring in more experience ahead of the start of the season. The 46-year-old, who was without injured star duo Dylan Levitt and Steven Fletcher, who were carrying minor knocks, said: ‘We need bodies, there’s no doubt about that. You can see where we are squad-wise, we had 16-year-olds starting today and when you looked at the bench, with the exception of Nicky Clark, there was

nobody over 21. So we have a very young group and we need reinforcements.

‘I think we need at least four outfield players. Hopefully we can get them in soon. You can always sign players but it’s just making sure they’re what you want, quality-wise.

‘We have tried to be patient but we need numbers in.

‘We would like to get some of the young players out on loan to help their development, but we can’t do that at the moment.

‘That’s not because they are not good players, they need experience.’

Sunderland carved out the first opening in the eighth minute when Dan Neil crossed inside the United box but Scotland striker Ross Stewart’s header flew wide of home goalkeeper

Carl Johan Eriksson’s right-hand post.

Stewart was looking lively and he linked well with ex-Celt Patrick Roberts, but his dangerous low cross was cut out by Eriksson.

United finally created an opportunity two minutes after the break when Tony Watt sent a ball in from the left, but full-back Liam Smith headed over Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson’s crossbar.

However, Sunderland took the lead in the 52nd minute.

Dennis Cirkin swung a high cross in from the left with Eriksson trying to clear, but the ball made its way to Hume, who headed home at the back post.

Sunderland then doubled their lead courtesy of one of the most bizarre own goals ever seen at Tannadice.

Mulgrew spun and hit a pass back from 10 yards inside his own half, but Eriksson was well off his line and was helpless to prevent the ball rolling into the back of the net.