And if his players create the same number of chances as they did in that 3-1 success, he suspects he will leave Pittodrie smiling.

“We’ve worked hard in recent weeks to close the back door and maybe that’s seen us sacrifice something in attack for a couple of games. But, on Saturday, I don’t think you could expect an away team to make any more chances than we did,” said Gordon today.

“We’ve hit the woodwork three times, had one chalked off for offside, scored three goals and seen their keeper make some very good saves, so we’ve got to be happy.

“I thought we controlled most of the game, and the only worry was that, after losing a goal in the first five minutes, it would be one of those days when the ball would not go in for us.”

Gordon was also pleased that once again the goals were shared among his players, with United crediting the first goal to Barry Robson, while Peter Canero and Collin Samuel natted the other two.

“This season we’ve had a few players chipping in. As well as the strikers, Robson has been a danger coming in from wide, Canero’s got a couple, and Grant Brebner’s scored, too, so that gives teams something to think about when they are playing us.”

While their early season form came in for some criticism, United head to the Granite City on the same points tally as their much-talked about rivals from the north-east and, if results go their way, will be in the top six by tomorrow night.

The manager remains convinced that is where his side will be by the time the league splits in April. “Despite what some people have been saying, we have never been that far away and now we are closer to where we want to be. The boys have worked hard and now it is about maintaining that form.”

After tomorrow’s game, United face the SPL’s top two when Celtic visit on Sunday and they travel to Hearts on Saturday week. Tickets for the Celtic game (2 pm) from the club shop opposite Tannadice.