Football Season Guide

United came close to a swift return to the Premiership last season but, in the end, they failed in a tense battle with Hamilton Academical who stayed in the top flight. United reached 3rd place in the Championship and that meant two extra play-off fixtures. The subsequent fatigue cost them against Hamilton. The financial cost of dropping from the Premiership has been huge for United. Losses will mount again this season but they could be offset by the transfer of former player, Andy Robertson, to Liverpool. A sell on clause will bring in a significant sum. United's best striker from last season, Simon Murray, has opted for the Premiership with Hibs and another goal threat, Tony Andreu, returned to Norwich City. To compensate United have signed the vastly experienced Scott McDonald along with Billy King and James Keatings. Charlie Telfer and Paul Dixon have also been offloaded to reduce the wage bill at Tannadice. Unless United do some business in the loan market, they appear a little short in midfield at the moment. After a strong first half of last season, they faltered badly in 2017. United remained undefeated in their final six fixtures of last season and now they looked good in pre-season, especially in defence with William Edjenguele imposing his authority. Paul McMullan has also settled quickly and will provide a further threat from midfield. After last season's failure, United are no longer considered one of the bigger teams in the Championship and they are not clear favourites either. Despite being a United hero, manager, Ray McKinnon, will be under intense pressure from the outset. If he fails to put United in contention for the title in the early part of the season he could be gone before the turn of the year. United should be in the mix for the title but their air of confidence and superiority has gone.