JIM GOODWIN | WE'RE STILL IN THE FIGHT

On the eve of United's biggest match of the season so far, a defiant Jim Goodwin insists his side remain confident they can arrest the slide and avoid the drop. The Terrors' task is straightforward - secure maximum points against relegation-threatened Kilmarnock and move off the bottom of the table heading into the season finale at Fir Park.

Watch the Gaffer's pre-match press conference in full below! 

'We're Still In The Fight'

Under no illusions as to the magnitude of our final home match of the 2022/23 season, Goodwin began: "Wednesday night is the biggest game of the season there’s no doubt about that. 

"We have to play this game like it’s a cup final, there’s so much riding on it for everybody connected to the club.

"It’s a game we need to approach with the mindset of ‘how do we win the game’. I don’t think Kilmarnock need to have the same approach."

Our visitors come into the match three points ahead of the Terrors, however, possess a significantly inferior goal difference. Therefore, a win for United would see them leapfrog the Ayrshire outfit heading into Matchday 38.

"Their motive coming into the game will be to avoid defeat but from our point of view we have to go and attack Kilmarnock and try to take maximum points, it’s as simple as that.

"We don’t need to over-emphasise what’s at stake to the players - they are well aware. We’re still in the fight, that’s the biggest thing for me."

Familiar Failings

A disappointing afternoon in West Lothian culminated in United slumping to a 2-1 defeat, however, the lax defending which resulted in Livingston's goals is the main source of Goodwin's fury for a third consecutive week.

The 41-year-old has lamented the repeated flogging of cheap goals, yet it took just 12 minutes for Bruce Anderson to open the scoring at the Tony Macaroni Arena after capitalising on a mix-up between Loick Ayina and Mark Birighitti.

"We’re obviously all bitterly disappointed with the last three results. The manner of the goals we have conceded has been extremely frustrating.

"We were all feeling disappointed after the game on Saturday to say the least. We made some big individual mistakes which have cost us valuable points."

Ian Harkes restored parity with a sumptuous volley from 20 yards at the midway point of the first period, however, James Penrice struck on the hour mark to seal the victory for the hosts, and the preceding pattern of play offered United numerous occasions to deal with the situation.

"We can accept losing when opposition teams pass you off the park and score terrific goals but when you’re causing your own problems by poor decision-making and indecisiveness, things we can avoid, that’s where the frustration comes in. 

"It’s really important that we defend better and show a bit more resilience which is something we had been getting a lot of plaudits for three games ago. Unfortunately, we’ve shot ourselves in the foot on too many occasions.

"But we’re all in it together here, there’s no pointing the finger at any one person. We’re all as responsible for the situation and we’re determined to get out of it. The only way we’re going to do that is through team spirit, togetherness and working hard for each other."

Going to the Wire

Seldom is the lay of the land so perfectly poised for drama on the last day of the season.

Whilst United battle with Motherwell in Lanarkshire, Kilmarnock and Ross County face off at Rugby Park. It is firmly within the realms of possibility that just one point will separate the bottom three teams heading into Matchday 38.

"I always believed it was going to go to the wire, we never got carried away when we went on that three-game winning streak", Goodwin continued.

"If we win the game on Wednesday night it puts us into a really good position going into the last game of the season when Kilmarnock and Ross County are playing each other - something has to give in that fixture."

It is futile deliberation, however, if United don't keep up their end of the bargain under the Tannadice lights.

"We can’t get too far ahead of ourselves, we have to focus on this one game on Wednesday and approach it in the right manner."

Cool Heads

When queried on the mood in the camp following Saturday's defeat, Goodwin was adamant the mood hasn't been severely dampened, despite the tinge of regret about the ultimate outcome. 

"I don’t want to see anybody mumping and moaning about the place - I want to see everyone nice and bright, which I think I got in training this morning. I think there was a really positive reaction. 

"Managing emotions is extremely important at this stage of the season, especially with the severity of what’s at stake."

The next five days will be a test of the mental mettle of all involved in the fight to avoid relegation, and the United boss is predicting those who can remain ice-cool in a nerve-shredding scenario will emerge victorious.

"You do need calm heads at key moments but at the same time you still need to show that level of passion, desire and commitment. I suppose its trying to get the balance right between being aggressive but not being rash and making poor decisions.

"It’s all about the here and now - making sure we’re fired up and in a good place mentally to give ourselves the best chance of winning the game."

'The First Goal Is Going To Be Crucial'

This the sixth meeting of the sides this season, Killie are a familiar foe.

Derek McInnes' men have proved to be somewhat of a bogey team for United, having claimed the upper hand three times. These demons are there to be exorcised though, according to Goodwin. 

With enormous ramifications for both sides, the match will no doubt prove to be cagey in the opening exchanges. 

"Kilmarnock are a good side and a well-organised team. In previous games, they’ve done well against us but it doesn’t matter what’s happened in recent fixtures.

"Confidence, momentum and all this carry-on, these are words we can’t use right now. We have to forget everything that’s been and past to focus on this one game. 

"I don’t think there’s a great deal between the teams, I think it’ll be a very close affair like most of the games are in this league."

Since the appointment the Irishman at the beginning of March, United have taken maximum points in all but one of the games in which they have rippled the net before their opponent.

And, against a resolute Kilmarnock side, the first goal will no doubt assume the same significance.

"The first goal on Wednesday is going to be crucial and we need to make sure we get it.

"All we’re asking from the players is to go out there now Wednesday night, run through brick walls for each other, give everything for the cause and be able to look at each other and know they did everything they could to win the game. If they do that, we give ourselves a very good chance of winning the game.

"But, first and foremost, let’s get back to keeping clean sheets and making life difficult for the opposition. That’s our base to build from."

Squad Game

Talisman Steven Fletcher was a notable absentee from the matchday squad against Livingston, as he found himself sidelined with a groin strain.

United's top scorer is in a race against time to ensure he plays a role in the climax of the cinch Premiership season.

"We’ll have to make a late decision on Fletch. He was a big loss on Saturday but we’ll give him every chance to be available for Wednesday. 

"He’s led the line for most of the season and been a key player. He’s probably been one of the more consistent members of the group throughout the course of the campaign, but that’s why you have a squad at the end of the day."

The 36-year-old's injury presented Academy graduate Rory MacLeod with the opportunity to start his second consecutive game.

MacLeod, 17, impressed when faced with a physically imposing Livi backline, before being replaced by fellow homegrown talent Miller Thomson deep into the second half.

"There are opportunities there when key players are missing, others need to step in and carry the mantle.

"That’s what we asked of Rory MacLeod, Miller Thomson came on for the last 15 minutes of the game against Livingston and done himself no harm.

"Peter Pawlett is back again and he’s another very good attacking option. We’ve got good players, now it’s my job to pick the best starting 11 available and one that is capable of getting a result."

Levitt Returns

Matchday 36 also heralded the return of former Manchester United starlet Dylan Levitt, who made his first appearance since Goodwin's debut in the Tannadice hotseat.

The Welsh international has found his season interrupted by a series of knocks, however still boasts a respectable eight goal contributions from his 24 matches.

Still fully to recover from a non-impact knee injury, Levitt's role in Wednesday's match is still to be decided by the coaching staff.

"Dylan is a terrifically talented young player. He was one of the best in the Premiership last season and unfortunately, it hasn’t quite happened for him this year because of different injuries and niggles.

"He’s a massive player for this group and to have him available, albeit his match fitness isn’t where it needs to be, and we’ll have a decision to make with regards to whether he starts the game or he comes off the bench."