Dundee United have five players in the BBC's Premiership Team of the Week following their weekend victory. The selections highlight a dominant collective performance from the Terrors in their 2-0 win away to Kilmarnock, as reported by sports.yahoo.com this week.
Jack Walton, Bert Esselink, Will Ferry, Emmanuel Agyei, and Mehdi Merghem all earned places in the media outlet's best XI. Their inclusion shows the team's solid start to the 2026-27 campaign, where they currently hold sixth place in the Premiership with seven points from five matches. The club's next challenge is a home fixture against Motherwell on September 19th.
Who were the standout performers for Dundee United?
Goalkeeper Jack Walton was a foundation for the clean sheet, making five important saves. "Five saves and a clean sheet - job done," the English shot-stopper said after the match. Alongside him, defender Bert Esselink delivered what he described as a "powerful performance and an away clean sheet." Their work at the back has been key to United's defensive record of just four goals conceded this term.
Further forward, Will Ferry broke the deadlock with a spectacular strike using his less favoured right foot. The goal was a moment of individual quality that changed the game's complexion. Emmanuel Agyei, the Ghana international, continued his influential start by scoring a goal and creating two key passes for his teammates.
How did Mehdi Merghem influence the match?
The Algerian midfielder Mehdi Merghem was the creative hub in the victory. He provided two assists in an outstanding away display, directly setting up both of United's goals. His vision and passing range unlocked the Kilmarnock defence repeatedly, marking him as the primary difference-maker on the pitch. This kind of form is exactly what manager Jim Goodwin will need as his side aims to close the eight-point gap to league leaders Celtic.
You can review the contributions of all United players on our current squad page.
Which other clubs featured in the Team of the Week?
Hibernian were the only other side with multiple representatives, placing three players in the lineup. Their inclusions were Felix Passlack, Grant Hanley, and Callum Wright, with the latter benefiting from an assist by veteran winger Martin Boyle. New Hibs addition Jacob Devaney also received a mention for his impact off the bench.
Celtic, Motherwell, and St Mirren each had one player recognized for their performances in the latest round of fixtures. The BBC's selection process weighs individual displays within the context of their team's result, making United's five picks a significant endorsement of their all-round display at Rugby Park.
What does this mean for Dundee United's season?
The recognition for five players is a massive confidence boost and reflects the squad's depth and quality. Sitting in sixth with a positive goal difference of +2, the Terrors have shown they can compete with the division's established sides. Their recent form of two wins, a draw, and two losses shows they are capable of results but need greater consistency.
Fans can track the team's progress in the standings as the season develops. The immediate focus now shifts to preparing for the visit of fifth-placed Motherwell, a match that could see United climb the table. The fixture at Tannadice Park on September 19th presents a perfect opportunity to build momentum from this recognition. You can find full details for that match and others in our fixtures schedule.
Dundee United's next Premiership match is at home to Motherwell on Saturday, September 19th, 2026.
