With the obvious exception of the 7-1 CIS Cup semi disaster against Rangers at the beginning of this month, United’s performances in the knockout competitions this season has been in stark contrast to their league form.

In six victorious ties, they have rattled in 20 goals and claimed the notable scalps of SPL high-fliers Hibs and Aberdeen to reach the last four of the two big cups.

However, 26 league games have yielded just four wins and, although there have also been 10 draws, that has left them hovering just six points above bottom club Livingston. Now, with another last-four appearance in a cup to look forward to, the manager wants to see an improvement in league results.

“We’ve got to a semi-final and we also got to another semi-final this year and that’s good going for our club. We also finished fifth in the league last year and, if we are going to make it four-out-of-four, if you like, we have to go and improve our league position.”

The chance to start doing that will come on Wednesday when the wounded Dons return to Tannadice. The home team are under no illusions they’ll provide tougher opposition than yesterday, when the winning margin could easily have been even greater.

“I do know it will be a different Aberdeen team on Wednesday because Jimmy (Calderwood) will have kicked a few backsides.”

United’s injured quartet of Derek McInnes, Jim McIntyre, David McCracken and long-term absentee Lee Mair will all be sidelined again, but the squad that took part yesterday should all be available.

Aberdeen could be without Markus Heikkinen, who limped off in the first half, while Kevin McNaughton also picked up a knock.

The draw for the semi-final is live on TV and radio just before 7 pm this evening and also includes holders Celtic as well as Edinburgh rivals Hibs and Hearts.

Jim, though, is determined his men won’t just sit back and let the Hoops put on a show.

“This is one of these games when nobody is expecting any more from us than to turn up and watch Celtic win which, in some ways, is understandable,” he said.

“However, I do not see it that way and I want my players to make sure they go to Parkhead and do their best.

“If they do that, we can take things from there and see what the outcome is, but it is important they are up for the game.”

Central defenders Lee Wilkie and Brent Sancho should be available after illness and injury respectively, although both will be monitored over the next couple of days.

Wilkie, who hurt an ankle against Hibs a week past Saturday, stepped up his training on Friday and seemed OK, while Sancho trained during the second half of last week after recovering from a virus.

“They’ve had a couple of days off and now we’ll see how they progress. But I am reasonably confident they will make the squad,” added Jim.

Still doubtful, though, is striker Tam McManus, who played in that game against his old club despite an ankle problem. He has not, though, trained for a week now and could miss out on Wednesday.

Mark Baxter is also believed to be attracting attention with Partick, Brechin City and Morton said to be keen on him.