Dundee United might not have been at their best in the 2-1 Betfred Cup win over Stenhousemuir on Tuesday. However, there is one aspect of the game in particular that will please manager Robbie Neilson.
It is that United managed to win the game without relying on the goals of Lawrence Shankland.
United’s goals on the night were scored by Paul Watson and Callum Butcher.
Goal was disallowed
Interestingly, Shankland did find the back of the net in the game, but his goal was disallowed for being offside.
Everybody knows how important Shankland is going to be to the United cause this season. He has already showed his goalscoring prowess in the 1-1 draw with Hearts.
However, he can’t do it all every game for Neilson’s side. When Shankland has an off night, other players will need to step up to the plate and find the net.
Manager will be delighted
That is what happened in the win against Stenhousemuir, and Neilson will be delighted. Shankland will still be the most important player when it comes to goalscoring for United this season.
That is why they brought him to the club. To score the goals that will get the Tannadice club back to the Premiership.
The more players that chip in with goals the better though, and the more likely United will be to win promotion.