United claimed their first away win in Europe in 28 years against UNA Strassen to book a mouthwatering third round qualifying clash
Jim Goodwin is looking to strengthen his Dundee United squad further as Kristijan Trapanovski looks set to be added to his growing injury list.
United claimed their first away win in Europe in 28 years against UNA Strassen to book a mouthwatering third round qualifying clash with Rapid Vienna.
Trapanovski limped off with another hamstring injury and it doesn’t look good and he is added to the likes of Ross Graham and Ryan Strain who also missed the game in Luxembourg.
Goodwin confirmed: “We don’t need another injury. He’s tried to sprint for the ball over the top and felt his hamstring.
“We’re hoping it’s nothing serious. You could see how depleted the squad were. Now he’s got a knock.
“Hopefully, it’s nothing serious but it does limit our options.
“There’s lots of time left in the window.
“Given the injuries we have it goes to show the good work we’ve done to be without seven first team players and still be able to field a team that’s competitive in both legs and has got us through.
“That’s credit to the guys who have done the recruitment but we’re continually looking to add quality.”
Falkirk are next up for United on Sunday before they prepare for their Europa Conference League first leg in Austria next week.
Goodwin is already aware of the massive challenge his side face to make the play-off round. He is looking for big improvements as his squad, which has seen 11 new arrivals, begins to gel.
He admitted: “It’s a huge game. We know the level of quality they have got.
“They sold a player for 10 million euros.
“They have really good young talent in their squad and we know it’ll be extremely difficult.
“It’s an exciting one but we need to improve on what we’ve done against Strassen.
“There are elements we have to get better at and that has to happen quickly because better opposition will punish you for the mistakes but I can’t be too critical as it’s still a new group.”
Rangers and Aberdeen have both slipped up in Luxembourg in recent seasons and so Goodwin was pleased to come through unscathed with two wins against UNA Strassen. It was their first away win since 1997 when they beat Principat.
He stated: “We’re delighted with the result.
“There were elements we need to do better, but credit Strassen over the two legs.
“They looked really well coached, have good players and are no mugs.
“Sometimes you can underestimate the opposition given the size of the country and people can be dismissive but we weren’t in our preparations.
“It’s always very difficult to come away from home in any game, nevermind in Europe.
“It’s the first time anyone here has been in this situation so a lot of players will take great credit.
“I’m also led to believe it’s the first time in nearly 30 years Dundee United have won away in Europe for the first time but we won’t get carried away.”
United’s new boys might be finding their feet but the defence is providing the perfect platform. They haven’t lost a goal in pre-season or in their first two competitive games.
Goodwin proudly added: “Defensively was a big part of our game last season and it will be this season.
“This back three haven’t conceded a goal all pre-season which is credit to them. It gives you a good foundation but we need to be better in possession.
“We didn’t do ourselves justice at times but when we relaxed and showed composure we looked a decent team.
“Getting the goal we were able to come off the game a bit.
“We’ve got an eye on the game against Falkirk and we were able to try and rest our legs for the last 20 minutes.
“I think we deserved it.”
The United goal here was Iurie Iovu who netted from a Zac Sapsford free kick.
Goodwin stated: “We’ve got good delivery coming in and a great aerial presence.
“It was a fantastic delivery from Zac.
“That’s a goal and assist from him, big Iurie made it look a lot easier than it was.
“We’ve got an exciting fixture to look forward to.
“Hopefully, the fans can raid their piggy banks again to follow us to Vienna.”
