In freezing conditions at Forthbank, United gained ample revenge for the 4-2 defeat they suffered at Motherwell’s hands on the opening day of the season thanks to first half goals from Declan Glass and Idris Kadded.
By Peter Rundo
Motherwell may have dominated the early stages, but without troubling keeper Josh Donaldson, recently called up to the Scotland U21 squad.
First attempt on target came from United’s Declan Glass, but though well struck, it was straight at Peter Morrison.
Midway through the opening period, the Tangerines had to make an enforced substitution when Cammy Ballantyne limped off after heavy fall and Gav Ritchie replaced him.
On 33 minutes, some great leading up work brought United the opener.
Idris Kadded switched play to the left and Brandon Mason laid the ball into Glass who took a touch before firing low into the bottom corner from 22 yards.
And four minutes from the interval the lead was doubled when Kadded converted a penalty after Robert Ward was bundled over in the box by Jason Krones.
It was very nearly three seven minutes after the restart when Glass hit the bar with a wind assisted free-kick.
On one of the few occasions Motherwell threatened, only a great goal-line clearance by Brandon Mason prevented the home side pulling one back with five minutes left.
Dundee United: Donaldson, Ballantyne (Ritchie 22), Mason, Reekie, Bollan, Davidson, Zata, Inglis, Ward, Glass (Banks 76), Kadded.
Subs not used: Mcmeekin, Maertin, Appere, Jones.