Dundee United's Bert Esselink is confident the team's goal drought will end soon. The Tangerines have not scored in their last three outings, but Esselink sees enough to be confident goals are coming.
What happened?
The team suffered a sobering 2-0 defeat at home in the first derby of the season. United have now gone three games without a goal and have conceded 10 in that time.
Why it matters for Dundee United
Jim Goodwin knows the buck stops with him, and the team's current form is not acceptable. With a league standing of 9th in Premiership, 33 pts, 8W-9D-16L from 33 games, and a recent form of WLWWL, the team needs to turn things around.
What comes next?
Esselink stated: “I just spoke to the guys. I think I had four shots and that says something about us, with the amount of shots on target or at goal. We had big opportunities. It is a difficult one and we have to change that. We have to start scoring goals and doing better.” The team's next opportunity is against Kilmarnock this weekend. Esselink doesn't think confidence has been impacted, but they need to turn the tide. He claimed: “I don’t think there is a lack of confidence. We are a tight group and we really believe in each other. We are doing things properly every day. We get our goals in training, but that doesn’t count because we need to get goals in the games.” With 34 goals scored and 53 conceded this season, the team needs to improve their goal difference. They are currently 37 points behind leaders Heart Of Midlothian, and need to start winning games to close the gap. The team's recent form has been disappointing, but Esselink is confident they can turn things around. He said: “I feel there is a lack of luck just now. I feel when that changes then things will go our way. That is what we hope for and need to keep working away at. You can see the chances are there and it is not good enough not to take them.” As the team prepares for their next game, they will be looking to put their recent losses behind them and start scoring goals again. With the right mindset and a bit of luck, they can start winning games and moving up the table. On Monday, the team will come back with positivity for a new week, and will be working hard to get back to basics and start scoring goals. The Dutchman felt that United gave as good as they got in the derby but Dundee took their chances. Abdoulaye Yoro sold the first goal, and Esselink knows the youngster on his first start will have learned from it. The team needs to keep on top of their game and react quickly to mistakes. Esselink said: “We need to keep on top of it with everyone. You have to react yourself when you lose the ball. These are the basics I am talking about.” With the team's current form, they need to start winning games to close the gap with the leaders. Esselink is confident they can do it, and with the right mindset, they can turn their season around. As of the end of the 2025 season, Dundee United were 9th in Premiership, with 33 points from 33 games, and a recent form of WLWWL. They will be looking to improve on this in the new season, and with the right players and mindset, they can start moving up the table. The team's goal difference is currently -19, with 34 goals scored and 53 conceded. They need to improve this to start winning games and moving up the table. With the new season underway, Dundee United will be looking to put their recent losses behind them and start scoring goals again. They have a tough road ahead, but with the right mindset and a bit of luck, they can start winning games and moving up the table.
