Despite a late surge to reach the Premiership via the play-offs, Dundee United face another season in the Championship after a narrow defeat from Hamilton Academical. United were installed as title favourites along with Hibs and the first half of the season vindicated this view as United only lost two games in the first half of the season and were top of the table heading into 2017. However, in the second half of the season their away form collapsed and United had to settle for a 3rd place finish and the play-offs. United saw off Morton and then Falkirk in the play-offs as optimism grew that they could be back in the Premiership again. Two further games with Accies in a short space of time proved too much and they lost 1-0 on aggregate. They were denied a clear penalty in a controversial 1st leg at Tannadice, but over the season they hadn’t deserved promotion.
Dundee United’s home form was strong all season with only a defeat from the champions, Hibs. Away from home it was a different story as they only managed four wins on the road while suffering eight defeats. Tony Andreu’s form in the first half of the season was impressive, but his contribution faded towards the end of the season and he posed little threat in the play-offs. After a slow start Simon Murray finished as top scorer with 18 goals and United may face a tough task in holding onto their striker. Although United failed to reach the Premiership, Ray McKinnon’s job looks secure. However, the pressure on him next season will only intensify as United will be the ‘big’ team in the Championship. Losses are mounting at Tannadice and they need promotion back to the Premiership next season.
