Mehdi Merghem set for Dundee United debut after fitness build-up

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin will keep Mehdi Merghem out of Tuesday’s Premier Sports Cup clash with Montrose as the Algerian winger builds his fitness ahead of his Premiership bow. Goodwin confirmed Merghem won’t feature against the Angus side but could be named in the squad for the next League Cup games against Arbroath or The Spartans.

The Terrors sit ninth in the Premiership with 33 points from 33 games, three points clear of the bottom three, and Goodwin wants Merghem ready before throwing him into the deep end. The club have conceded 53 goals this season — a gap of 19 behind their tally of 34 — and Goodwin insists the new signing will add creativity and goals from wide areas.

Why Merghem’s arrival is a big deal for United

Goodwin called Merghem “a fantastic signing” who brings experience, technical quality, and Algerian international pedigree. “He can play wide, drop into pockets, and he has a fantastic left foot,” the manager said. “He will score goals from distance, I’m sure of that, and he has dead-ball qualities as well.”

The boss also pointed to Merghem’s hunger after a tough spell in Algeria before he returned to Bastia. “He had a good end to the season with Bastia, just going back there to get regular game time,” Goodwin added. “He had some contractual issues with his previous club, but that’s the player we’re signing.”

With United still looking to add another winger, Goodwin believes Merghem can excite the fans. “Those wide areas are parts of the squad that we need to try and strengthen,” he said. “We are looking pretty solid in every other area of the pitch.”

Metsoko poised for early cup debut as United hunt clean sheet

Idjesso Metsoko could make his competitive debut at Links Park on Tuesday as Goodwin names a near-unchanged starting XI. “Metsoko will come into the squad and other than that it will be the same squad,” the boss said. United beat Stirling Albion 1-0 in their Premier Sports Cup opener but Goodwin wants more goals.

“I thought the overall performance on Saturday was good,” he said. “All that was lacking was a few more goals. Games like that, the longer it goes on without us breaking the deadlock then it gives the opposition a bit of hope. I thought Stirling did defend the ball well, but I have to say there were really positive parts of our play as well.”

What’s next for Goodwin’s United

United sit 37 points behind Premiership leaders Heart of Midlothian and need to tighten up at the back. Goodwin’s focus remains on getting Merghem match-fit and integrating Metsoko quickly. “There is plenty there to work on and to improve on,” he said. “In terms of working together for three weeks, the patterns of play we saw were really, really positive.”

With the transfer window still open, Goodwin may add another winger before the Premiership restarts. Merghem’s technical gifts and direct style could give United the edge they need as they chase survival and cup progress.

Dundee United travel to Angus with 33 points from 33 games, eight wins, nine draws, and 16 losses, sitting nine points clear of the bottom three.