Dundee United: Jack Ross is right - at least four needed to keep club on upward trajectory in big moments for club

There has been a lot of upheaval at Dundee United in the close season, which makes them one of the more fascinating clubs to look at ahead of the cinch Premiership campaign beginning in less than two weeks time.

United finished fourth in Scotland’s top flight in 2021/22 under the tutelage of Tam Courts in his maiden season as manager. It gained them entry into the Europa Conference League and cemented the club’s status as a top-six team once again after too many years either in the bottom half of the division or in the Championship.

Nevertheless, it feels like the Tayside outfit are currently in a state of flux. Courts has since left the club, on mutual terms, and has taken up an intriguing role in Hungary with Honved. Former Hibs and Sunderland manager Jack Ross is his replacement. Some would argue United have upgraded, given Ross guided Hibs to Hampden on a number of occasions and finished third in his last full season with the Edinburgh club. He also has experience of European football from last season.

Excitement is building at Tannadice about their Europa Conference League campaign. The third qualifying round draw takes place on Monday – Basel and AZ Alkmaar are among the list of potential opponents – and as they are unseeded, they are guaranteed a tough assignment. Those ties will be played in early August. Before then, United have one more friendly, away to Fleetwood on Saturday, before their league campaign begins away to Kilmarnock on July 30.

There is a lot of work to be done, however, down Sandeman Street before competitive football starts. Ross has been in situ for a month now and has many plates spinning. He has managed to sign three players already – all good on paper. Midfielder Dylan Levitt was