That happened even before the general sale that had been due to start this Thursday.

Not surprisingly, United were straight on the phone to the SFL to get their hands on the extra 3500 tickets that were promised if sales went well.

“We are obviously delighted with our supporters response, and to sell so many in just four days, particularly when two of them covered the weekend, is quite exceptional,” said chief executive Stephen Thompson.

“The whole lot will be gone soon, and I’m speaking to the league about getting more.”

Once those briefs arrive, United will make public details of their sale.

Meanwhile, United are keeping their fingers crossed the SPL clash with Gretna goes ahead tomorrow night. There is a 9 am inspection. If the game doesn’t take place, the last thing United want is for the fixture to be pencilled in for this weekend.

Overnight rain put the Fir Park clash off on Saturday and, ideally, the Tangerines want it played tomorrow and, if not then, Wednesday.

Worst-case scenario for them, though, would be another postponement that saw the SPL use Saturday’s free date.

“Hopefully, we get this game played tomorrow, but we’ll just need to see how the weather is,” said boss Craig Levein today. “If it goes off, the one thing I would not want is to have to play Saturday because that would leave us with three games in the week of a cup final.

“Ideally, we get it played tomorrow and then we can do some work for the cup final during the rest of this week, prepare for the Celtic game next week, then finish off our preparations for the final.”

One benefit of Saturday’s call-off could be having Lee Wilkie and Mark Kerr available tomorrow night, though their participation has still to be confirmed.

“With the game going off so early, I didn’t have a decision to make on them, but I’d say it was unlikely they would have played,” added Craig. “They should have a better chance for tomorrow and we’ll see how they are feeling.”

Alex Rae arrived at work this morning knowing five of the players who started the 3-2 victory over Saints will not be on duty at Palmerston.

Vice-captain Scott Robertson will miss out through injury and, while his condition is still being assessed, he looks set to be sidelined for several weeks with a torn hamstring.

Also out are Kevin McDonald and Gary MacKenzie because of red cards in the last round at Motherwell.

And, just to complete the manager’s selection headache, goal heroes Mickael Antoine-Curier and Colin McMenamin are both cup-tied.

On the plus side, midfielder Paul McHale’s suspension does not apply to the cup, and skipper Ludovic Roy should be fit enough to challenge Craig Samson for the keeper’s jersey.

“It does not leave much time to reflect on a good win, but it does not take the gloss off it. I do have a headache for Saturday, though, and I will see what we can put together over the next few days,” said Alex.

With promotion back to the SPL the No. 1 priority, Alex at least has the consolation that four of his five cup absentees will be well rested for the First Division clash with Livingston at Dens tomorrow week.

And his major concern is how long the influential Robertson is going to be sidelined for.

“It looks like it could have been worse for Scott, but it’s still a bad injury and he is going to miss a few games at a time when we want him on the park,” he admitted.

As long as his players show the spirit of the past few weeks, the gaffer believes that, whatever the selection problems and opposition standard, they have a chance against anyone.

“The boys don’t know when they are beaten and, in terms of attitude, I cannot ask for any more from them than they are giving me.

“They have been like that in every game and, although the league is the priority, I know they will give all they’ve got on Saturday.”

Meanwhile, both Dundee and St Johnstone have played down an incident that led to a window in the away dressing-room being smashed. Saints immediately pledged to pay for the damage and the clubs are happy to let the matter rest there.

Saints are to check with Hibs if they can play on-loan Sean Lynch.