Questions have emerged over whether Dundee United possess the strongest midfield trio in the Scottish Premiership following a notable 2-2 draw against Celtic at Celtic Park. Jim Goodwin’s side extended their unbeaten run to six matches, though they subsequently dropped to fifth in the table after city rivals Dundee defeated Kilmarnock 3-1.
Midfield Control Under the Spotlight
The central partnership of Zidane Iqbal, Lyall Cameron, and Dylan Tait dominated the opening period before Celtic introduced wingers Jota and Haissem Hassan after the half-time interval. BBC Radio Scotland’s chief sports writer Tom English raised the question of whether United hold the premier midfield unit in the country during the Sportsound broadcast.
Former United wing-back Allan Preston praised the central players, noting that Iqbal dictated the tempo and kept possession effectively while opponents struggled to close him down. Former United midfielder Scott Allan highlighted that Iqbal, an Iraq international who joined from Utrecht after coming through Manchester United’s youth system, shares a clear understanding alongside Tait and on-loan Rangers player Cameron.
Allan explained that the trio remained calm under pressure at Celtic Park, inviting opponents forward before moving the ball seamlessly across the pitch. He described their performance as exceptionally fluid and brave, stating they match any other midfield setup in the division.
Managerial Praise and Tactical Resilience
Allan also commended manager Jim Goodwin for executing a precise gameplan, despite noting that Celtic’s second-half substitutions forced United deep into their own half. Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner acknowledged that despite a rise in tempo and energy from the hosts, United maintained strong organization and fully deserved their point.
Goodwin reflected on missing out on the top six last season by a single place and pointed out that observing Jens Berthel Askou’s success at Motherwell inspired a tactical shift toward a passing style this term. After starting the campaign slowly with just one victory in seven matches, the team’s current six-match unbeaten streak has established a positive points return for October.
Goodwin expressed initial disappointment in the dressing room at not securing a historic first win at Celtic Park since 1992, but credited the opposition’s changes for shifting the momentum. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill, who previously managed Goodwin as a youth player, praised his former charge as a very fine manager who has performed a remarkable job.
Goodwin emphasized that the team showed great character in responding to an early deficit and digging deep during a relentless finish from the league leaders.
