Target: Jim Goodwin on ‘advanced and adventurous’ mission that could turn 27-year-old into new Dundee United goal threat
Goodwin has been instructing United’s full-backs to take higher positions on the park during matches.
Scott McMann bagged his first Dundee United goal after being handed an “advanced and adventurous” new mission by Jim Goodwin.
Now the Tangerines boss believes the full-back can go on to make himself a regular on the score sheet.
McMann notched for the first time in 77 United appearances during Saturday’s 4-1 win over Queen’s Park.
It was a moment savoured by his manager, who hopes the left-back, fuelled by a new attacking brief, can add to the Tangerines’ goal threat.
“I was delighted for Scott,” said Goodwin.
“It is something we have been talking about working on over the last few weeks. We have been trying to get the full-backs higher forward in an attempt to get more bodies into the box.
“We felt against Morton we were putting really good balls into the area but we only had one or two guys attacking it. Since then, we have had more emphasis on getting more people in there, with better movement and arriving late.
“We need the full-backs to be a bit more advanced and adventurous. Off the back of that, Scott has managed to get that goal at the back stick.
“I am really pleased for him because he has had a great season up to now. He has been very consistent and, as good as he is defensively, he has that tenacity and aggression and is also very important to us going forward.
“He has good attributes, he crosses well and Saturday, getting the goal, was the icing on the cake.”
Goodwin added: “He will definitely be getting into these areas. He has a very good left foot as well and he can pull the trigger from 20 to 25 yards so we hope he can add more goals to his game.”
Louis Moult rated ’50/50′ for Dundee United return v Raith as boss reveals scenario that will DEFINITELY side-line striker
Moult has made progress in his recovery, says Jim Goodwin, but is not yet back in full training.
Louis Moult has a ’50/50′ chance of featuring in Dundee United’s clash with Raith Rovers, says Jim Goodwin.
But the Tangerines boss insists he will take no chances with the striker’s long-term fitness, revealing the injury scenario that will definitely rule him out of Saturday’s huge Championship clash.
Moult has bagged five goals in nine United appearances this season, but missed Saturday’s win over Queen’s Park after picking up a groin strain in Inverness the previous weekend.
Goodwin’s side coped well without their ‘number nine’, racking up a 4-1 win over the Spiders, with Tony Watt notching a double from Moult’s usual position.
On Saturday, United are looking to put distance between themselves and a Raith Rovers side who have hung in just one point behind them.
But, despite the stakes at Stark’s Park, the Tangerines’ boss won’t take risks with Moult, despite the goal threat he carries.
“He is doing okay. He is making really good progress,” said Goodwin.
“We will see how he is over the next day or two. If it is positive then we will get him back involved [in training] on Thursday.
“It is probably 50/50 if I am honest.
“We won’t risk him for one game if it means he might be out for a few more. That was the same stance as we took with Ross Docherty at Inverness. We could have risked him but we didn’t want to take the risk.
“Of course, we can take calculated risks at times but we wouldn’t be risking Louis this Saturday, even though it is a big, big game. We wouldn’t risk him if we could lose him for five or six weeks if he really damages the groin.
“We just need to be sensible in our approach and when he comes back then it is for a long time.”
Suspended pair return
Goodwin may have to wait and see with Moult, but the United boss will have Mathew Cudjoe and Jordan Tilson available in Fife, with the pair returning from suspension.
“Cudjoe and Tillson come back in,” revealed the manager.
“That is credit to the group because in recent weeks we have had to go without some really influential players.
“Docherty and Craig Sibbald were out, Cudjoe had a great start to the season but then missed the last two games, which we were still able to go and win.
“Tillson was suspended and we have shown we have built up a very good squad and, if one or two are missing, then the players coming in are of a similar high quality and are able to carry out the same message and instructions.”
