Latest news with #Strassen
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Jim Goodwin accelerates Dundee United transfer plans as Conference League hopes rocked by latest injury setback
Goodwin's side take are in Vienna for the first leg of their crunch Conference League qualifier on Thursday Dundee United boss Jim Goodwin is looking to ramp up his recruitment after he confirmed Ryan Strain and Kristijan Trapanovski could both be out for up to 10 weeks. It is a blow for United to lose the influential pair ahead of Thursday's Europa Conference League clash away to Rapid Vienna. Strain and Trapanovski have both suffered hamstring injuries and could be out for anything between eight to 10 weeks. That is on top of captain Ross Graham who is also out with a similar injury and is not due back until at least October. Goodwin confirmed: 'We've got one or two long-term ones. Ross Graham has been well-documented up to now. Unfortunately, Ryan Strain will be missing for the next eight to ten weeks, as will Trapanowski, who picked up a hamstring injury in the last European game against Strassen. So those three are out long-term.' United have also let Jort van de Sande join SC Cambuur and he admitted that another striker is on his wanted list, along with another couple of positions, although Owen Stirton will get his chance. Goodwin added: 'We had a number of the academy guys come up into the squad but we're hopeful that between now and the next fortnight we'll be able to add another couple of new faces. 'We do want to add another one in that (striker) area but we're not desperate. 'I think the issue that we have at the moment is the likes of (Dario Naamo, (Amar) Fatah, Trapanovski, in the wide areas, is where we're a little bit lighter. 'There are ongoing conversations with players at the moment, as you would expect.' Goodwin accepts United will go in as underdogs but he is looking for his United team to show their bite. He stated: 'You can see with the facility here, the stadium, the infrastructure, it's a big club. A really well run looking professional outfit. 'They went really far in this competition last season, getting to the quarter-finals. They've done some really good business in the transfer window already. 'They have spent a considerable amount of money in the forward areas. We know it's going to be a difficult tie. '(The) Last tie against Strassen, for us, we were probably the favourites in a lot of people's eyes, albeit Strassen made life difficult for us. 'I would imagine tomorrow night we'll probably be the underdogs going into the game. But we have a lot of belief and a lot of confidence in this group. "We know where we're at in terms of the restrictions in the squad with the injuries we have but that's no excuse. We want to make sure we give a really good account of ourselves. 'We want to put on a good show. We want to show ourselves in a good light. 'We want to show people that the teams from the Scottish Premiership are of a good standard. 'We want to make sure we're still in the tie come the return leg at Tannadice.'
The Courier
01-08-2025
- Sport
- The Courier
4 Dundee United talking points: What will Tangerines bank from Euro progress?
Iurie Iovu was Dundee United's European hero in Luxembourg, heading home the only goal of a scrappy contest against UNA Strassen. The win in Differdange secured a 2-0 aggregate triumph and teed up a tantalising crack at Austrian giants Rapid Vienna. Courier Sport was in the Grand Duchy to analyse the talking points from a victorious night. For those lucky enough to get one of the 1,018 golden tickets or the fans viewing on SolidSport, it was a tough watch. United, visibly a work in progress, surrendered possession too often, were second to myriad loose balls and left huge gaps for Strassen to play through, especially in the first period. With better finishing from Daryl Myre or Matheus de Souza, the Terrors' aggregate lead could have been wiped out. One can safely assume future Premiership opponents, and Rapid Vienna, will not be so profligate. And, to borrow a phrase from the dominant tongue in Luxembourg, plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose. A completely revamped team, containing 11 new players from across the continent; yet the questions surrounding Jim Goodwin's preferred 3-4-3 shape are identical to those being asked at this point last year. Namely: is there enough cover in midfield? Particularly when possession is turned over. United certainly have more mobility in the engine room this term but, unless they look after the football with more care, the tactic can be alarmingly open. United looked more solid after going to a 3-5-2 after the break. As the squad gels and on-field relationships build, United's 3-4-3 may click but, as Goodwin stated himself, 'that has to happen quickly'. Ideally by Sunday, because the Premiership opener at newly-promoted Falkirk is an occasion 15 years in the making for the Bairns and they can be expected to explode from the blocks. They will also be fresher and able to call upon far more match-specific preparation. Forget Rapid; John McGlynn's men are a sufficiently onerous prospect for the moment. The room for improvement is patently clear. But that should not blind fans to a solid achievement. After all, the result is what matters. Prior to Thursday evening, United had only won a two-legged European tie by keeping a clean sheet in both legs three times in their entire history. One must go back to Celtic against Nomme Kalju in 2019 for any Scottish side achieving that feat. Only three other bosses – Jim and Tommy McLean, and Jerry Kerr – had ever managed the club successfully through even one round. Goalkeeper Yevhenii Kucherenko has now played 60 minutes against PEC Zwolle, 45 minutes against St Johnstone and Oldham, and two games against Strassen and is yet to pick the ball out of his net. Similarly, centre-backs Krisztian Keresztes, Bert Esselink and Iovu are yet to concede a goal as a trio. United, meanwhile, progressed through a continental tie for the first time since 1997. Scottish clubs, United included, have not earned the right to greet that with a blasé shrug. No one who remembers the Terrors' ill-fated MyPa-47 tie in 2005 – or Rangers' visit to Progres Niederkorn of Luxembourg in 2017, for that matter – should take the Tangerines' qualification for granted. That is especially true when considering that, this time just two years ago, United were kicking off a gruelling season in the Championship with a trip to Arbroath. It's been a hell of a journey, navigated in remarkably swift time. The prestige of a European clash against the 32-time champions of Austria, Rapid Vienna, is priceless. However, the monetary value of progressing to that rematch of United's 1983/84 European Cup quarter-final is not to be underestimated. United's continental adventure is now guaranteed to bank the club £750,000 in prize money. That is before considering the likelihood of a bumper, lucrative gate at Tannadice against Rapid – especially if the tie is still alive after next Thursday's trip to Vienna – and associated broadcast revenue. If they had exited against Strassen, they would have earned £440,000. A sizable chunk less. So, while the performance may have left plenty to be desired, progression was all that mattered – on the pitch AND the balance sheet. At a time when United are still actively seeking reinforcements, that additional £300,000 could make a material difference. 'My biggest wish is to be healthy throughout this season.' Words that now echo with cruelty. The Macedonian winger lost months of last season with persistent hamstring issues and, even when he regained a semblance of fitness, the former FK Shkupi man didn't hit the heights of his early form. As outlined to Courier Sport earlier this week, Trapanovski has worked tirelessly over the summer to ensure he reported for duty in peak condition. His form in pre-season was heartening. Then, just 41 minutes into the second leg against Strassen, he clutched the back of his leg as he sought to catch a long pass. Another hamstring strain. One can only hope, for the player's sake and United's, that the damage is nothing too severe.
Scottish Sun
31-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
UNA Strassen 0 Dundee United 1 (0-2 agg): Iurie Iovu's thumping effort keeps European dream alive for Jim Goodwin's men
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FORTY-ONE years ago Dundee United beat Rapid Vienna to reach the European Cup semi-finals. If, as expected. Rapid get through, United will head to the Austrian capital next week for a rematch with a Conference League play-off clash at stake. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Dundee United players celebrate winner in Luxembourg Credit: Shutterstock Editorial 2 Iovu powered home a header at the back post Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Iurie Iovu's 64th minute header settled the nerves of the 1,000 Arabs fans in the stands in Luxembourg last night. Until then Jim Goodwin's newlook side - 1-0 winners in the first leg - never looked completely assured of a passage into the third qualifying round. Rangers and Aberdeen had suffered shocks in the country before but United escaped unscathed. Incredibly it was their first Euro victory since the 17-0 aggregate win over Andorran minnows Principat back in 1997. It often wasn't a thing of beauty as they were pushed all the way by a Strassen side that finished second in their league last term but still have never scored in Europe. While stopper Iovu grabbed the headlines, this victory was about Craig Sibbald's display. He'd sat things out last week as Goodwin named United's first ever starting line-up without a Scot. But he showed just how important he will be this season with a dominant display. The ex-Falkirk midfielder battled away tirelessly and was often the man breaking up Strassen attacks and teeing up dangerous moments for United. One thing is for sure though - United will have to raise their game at the Allianz Stadion for the first leg. Jim Goodwin on THAT Darvel defeat, Aberdeen axe and rebuilding his career at Dundee United On Thursday, they often looked like what they are - a side still getting to know one another after 11 new arrivals in the summer. The clash was played 30 miles from Strassen's home ground at the 3,500-capacity Stade Municipal de la Ville in Differdange. United sold out their allocation and their fans made it feel more like a home game. Iovu might have opened the scoring earlier than he did after being picked out by Kristijan Trapanovski's corner just three minutes in. The unmarked Moldovan should have done better than head over from inside the box. It soon became apparent United wouldn't have it their own way as much like the first leg Strassen looked dangerous on the attack against United's high line. After Trapanovski was booked in the fifth minute Zachary Hadji drilled straight at Yevhenii Kucherenko when the free-kick was tapped to him. Moments later Ukraine goalie Kucherenko raced off his line to reach the ball on the edge of the area before Matheus De Souza then Daryl Myre drilled over. Sibbald started a brilliant sweeping move that should have ended with a goal when Vicko Sevelj picked out Zac Sapsford but the Aussie - who scored the first leg winner - got his timing horribly wrong and couldn't finish. Icelandic ref Vilhjalmur Thorarinsson was quick to flash Sibbald a yellow for booting the ball away but it didn't dim Sibbald's will to win. More quick-thinking saw him tee up Ivan Dolcek, whose shot was well saved by Koray Ozcan. There was a blow for United before the break when Trapanovski chased a ball towards the corner then pulled up and immediately signalled his hamstring had gone again. After two similar injuries last season the Macedonian had talked before the game about how he'd done all he could during the summer to ensure he'd return as fit as possible. He was replaced by Max Watters, who had been named on the bench after overcoming the knee injury he'd picked up in the first leg. Goodwin swapped Dolcek for Isaac Pappoe but the second half started much the same as the first, with Strassen's Ricardo Delgado firing wide. Neither side was managing to string many passes together and at times it was poor stuff. But after Pappoe fired straight at Ozcan the on-loan Ferencvaros midfielder played a part in the goal. He won a free-kick which saw Sapsford float a ball to the back post and Iovu did what he couldn't in the first half and nodded home. Dundee Utd player ratings DUNDEE UNITED: Kucherenko 6, Esselink 6, Iovu 7, Sevelj 6, Trapanovski 3 (Watters, 41 4), Camara 6, Sapsford 7 (Stirton, 78 4), Ferry 6, Sibbald 8, Dolcek 3 (Pappoe, 46 5), Keresztes 6. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
BBC News
31-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
UNA Strassen 0-1 Dundee United (agg 0-2): What Goodwin said
Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin: "I didn't realise it had been nearly 30 years since we won away from home in Europe. "It's a great result for this new group of players. Any game away from home in Europe is extremely difficult, there are no easy ties. "On paper people would have looked at the game and thought it should be straightforward but Strassen were technically very good. They're no mugs so we're delighted with the result and clean sheet but we know we have to improve. We were really untidy on the ball, maybe that was a case of nerves. "Over the two ties I don't think anybody could argue we deserved to go through. Neither performance was perfect, we've got a lot to learn and we need to do it quickly. "There are definitely things we need to brush up on. We were very untidy on the ball. When we did play and pass the ball quickly we got into dangerous areas but [Yevhenii] Kucherenko, over the two legs, has had very little to do."
Scottish Sun
31-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Strassen vs Dundee United: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend with BetMGM
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the betting offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. FAB FORTY Strassen vs Dundee United: Get £40 in free bets and bonuses to spend with BetMGM Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DUNDEE UNITED take a 1-0 lead to Luxembourg for their Europa League second qualifying round 2nd leg with Strassen. Bookmakers BetMGM are offering brand new customers a cool £40 in free bets when you register an account and stake a tenner on the game. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up Strassen vs Dundee United: Get £40 in free bets -- claim yours here* How to claim.. BetMGM £40 welcome bonus Visit the BetMGM website HERE* Select SPORTS OFFER on the website Register a new account - No Promo Code necessary Opt in for this promotion by depositing and placing at least £10 on football at odds of Evens or greater Once that's settled - win or lose - your account will be credited with £40 in free bets Strassen vs Dundee United: Get £40 in free bets -- claim yours here* Strassen vs Dundee United: Get £40 in free bets -- claim yours here* Not got a BetMGM account? No problem! This offer is just for you, and it's incredibly easy to claim! Simply register a new account, deposit and stake a minimum of £10 on football at odds of Evens (1/1) or greater. This must be done within seven days of opening your account with the bookmaker. Once that's settled - win or lose - your account will be credited with £40 in free bets! Strassen vs Dundee United: Get £40 in free bets -- claim yours here* *BetMGM. New customers only. 7 days to place qualifying bet of £10 at 1/1 (2.0) to receive 4 x £10 Free Bets: 1 x £10 football, 1 x £10 horse racing & 2 x £10 Bet Builders. Free Bets cannot be used on e-sports and non UK/IE horse racing. 7 day expiry. Exclusions apply. Stake not returned T&Cs apply. 18+ Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chase their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry, or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to
