| Yesterday, the Tangerines produced what Ian regarded as the best performance in his time as team boss when they hammered Aberdeen 4-1 to reach the semi-finals of the Tennent’s Scottish Cup.
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. |
