Jim Goodwin emerges as Dundee United next manager frontrunner and his first match set to be against former club Aberdeen

Former Aberdeen boss Jim Goodwin could be in line for a sensational return against his former club after racing in to become the frontrunner for relegation–threatened Dundee United.

Record Sport understands the Irishman is a bonafide contender to replace Liam Fox one month after he was axed by Dave Cormack just minutes following a 6-0 pasting at the hands of Hibs which came on the back of their Scottish Cup shock against Darvel. The Irishman is understood to be under serious consideration among Tannadice hierarchy with Craig Levein another leading contender.

It has been all change in the City of Discovery with sporting director Tony Asghar following Fox out the exit door and doubts remain over owner Mark Ogren's long-term future at United. But now a pair of familiar Scottish Premiership faces are set to duke it out in a bid to be the man capable of swerving United from a drop into the Championship.

It's understood United want the new boss in before Saturday's game and an already mammoth encounter would be ramped up with Goodwin in the dugout against his former employers., with no love lost between the sides to begin with.

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