Mellon: Building a new United will take some time
Micky Mellon admits Dundee United are far from the finished article.
But the Tangerines gaffer insists he can get his side playing the sort of football the Tannadice punters deserve.
United fans on social media last week expressed their displeasure with recent showings from their side, which included a shock 1- 0 defeat to Peterhead in the Betfred Cup.
But after the Tangerines shut out dominant Aberdeen to claim a point at Tannadice, Mellon called for patience – insisting his team will look vastly different if he gets as many transfer windows to work his magic as Dons boss Derek Mcinnes has enjoyed.
“To get a clean sheet against a really established Aberdeen side at this level, we had to show all our qualities,” said Mellon.
“Of course the Dundee United we all want to see needs to be better with the football, but this is a development job.
“I’ve done this eight times now, I’ve seen what happens when you go up a level, and the signs are always the same, you have to build.
“But in terms of desire and defending your 18- yard box, I see the beauty in that as well. Some of the stuff was fantastic and we ended up with the best chance of the game.
“We’ve not been in the Premiership for four years now.
“We’re not dominating games like we did last year, we’re getting asked more questions.
“Is it the end product we want to see? No, but it’ll take time. This is a team just promoted. I looked at training the other day and 18 of the 20 there played in the Championship last year. That’s where we are.
“It’s not the Dundee United we believe we’ll end up creating. Derek Mcinnes has had eight years at Aberdeen – once I’ve had eight years worth of transfer windows you might see a different side.”
United keeper Benjamin Siegrist turned in a man of the match display for United – denying the Dons on multiple occasions.
His showing didn’t go unnoticed by his manager.
“I think the keeper is one of the best in the country, without a doubt,” said Mellon.
“He’s done it week in week out, he makes it look easy.
“He has everything, inc luding the temperament, and he epitomises the club in the way he wants to improve.”
Siegrist added: “It’s nice to hear what the manager thinks.
“I was really happy with the performance. At the end of the day I just want the boys to know they can count on me.”