Former Dundee United striker Lawrence Shankland heaped more misery on his old club as he set Hearts on their way to a 4-1 cinch Premiership victory at Tynecastle on Sunday.
The Tannadice outfit were looking to bounce back from their 7-0 Europa Conference League thrashing away to AZ Alkmaar on Thursday, but they got off to the worst possible start when they fell behind in the first minute.
Further goals from Barrie McKay, Jorge Grant and substitute Josh Ginnelly ensured a dismal end to a grim week for United and allowed Hearts to head off to Switzerland in high spirits for their Europa League play-off first leg against FC Zurich.
Tynecastle boss Robbie Neilson made one alteration to the side that started the 1-1 draw with city rivals Hibernian last weekend as Cammy Devlin replaced Peter Haring in midfield.