Goodwin: Dundee United must improve despite victory

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin admits his team still has work to do after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Luxembourg's UNA Strassen in their Conference League qualifier first leg at Tannadice.

Match Highlights

Australian striker Zac Sapsford scored the decisive goal on his debut shortly after halftime, cleverly flicking the ball through a defender's legs before slotting home a low finish. The goal sent the 11,000-strong home crowd into raptures - their first European goal at Tannadice since facing AZ Alkmaar three years ago.

Despite fielding seven new signings from the start (nine in total), the Scottish Premiership side struggled to break down their compact Luxembourg opponents. Strassen created several chances, with Vicko Sevelj going close twice and Owen Stirton hitting the post, but United held on for a slender advantage.

"We've left a couple of goals out there at least," Goodwin admitted. "At 1-0 it's still very much game on. I would certainly rather be sitting here with a three-goal advantage."

Key Talking Points

International Flavor: Dundee United made history by fielding a starting XI without a single Scottish player for the first time in a competitive match. The club's summer recruitment has focused on markets like Hungary, Ukraine and Croatia, where they believe better value can be found.

Defensive Strength: New signings Bert Esselink (Netherlands), Krisztian Keresztes (Hungary) and Iurie Iova (Moldova) formed an impressive defensive unit in front of Ukrainian goalkeeper Yevhenii Kucherenko, who showed confidence in claiming high balls.

Standout Performers

• Bert Esselink: The Dutch center-back displayed excellent composure and passing range
• Zac Sapsford: Scored the winner on debut after a hard-working preseason
• Panutche Camara: Made an impact off the bench with his energetic play

Looking Ahead

The teams meet again in Differdange next Thursday (18:00 BST), with the winners likely facing Rapid Vienna in the next round. United begin their Scottish Premiership campaign at Falkirk on August 3rd (14:00).

A clean sheet in Luxembourg would secure United's first two-legged European victory since their 17-0 aggregate win over Andorra's Principat in 1997.