In the end Hearts proved just too strong for United's young side at Glenesk Park on Saturday morning.
Hearts were off the mark quickly with Mark Cowan giving them the lead from an acute angle after ten minutes.
Gradually however, United fought their way back into the game and Scott Allan passed up a great chance in 34 minutes after being played in by Ryan Dow, the keeper pushing his shot just past.
However, seven minutes from half-time the visitors extended their lead when a John Wood corner was headed in by Conrad Balatoni.
After the break and playing with the wind, United came very much into the game, but without threatening to score very often.
However, they did manage one, Michael Lee heading in a long free kick from Scott Allan after 69 minutes.
Dundee United: Grant, Irvine, R Smith, Lee, Reoch, K Smith (Thomson 50), Brophy (Colgan 78), Stokes, Hilson, Allan, Dow. Subs not used: Hindley, L Swanson, W Robertson.