His comments pre-empted a return to the defensive defiance and stubbornness that characterised the 2024 season. It saw United finish last year with the second-best defensive record in the league.
Before and after the mid-term break, they have turned in stout defensive performances away from home. Up in Derry, there were shakier moments than there were in Tallaght. But the one goal they did cough up was fortuitous, Kevin Holt blocking the ball into the net.
Outside of a spell in the first half, where Derry looked dangerous, United were hard to play against and difficult to break down.
Evan Watts was again assured between the sticks. He has only let in seven in nine. Three were penalties, one (last week ) was a freak occurrence.
Vince Borden continued to prove his worth in midfield. Reinforcements will be necessary in the middle as Cian Byrne’s departure is imminent.
Jeannot Esua was again excellent at right-back. United fans have cause to fret over the future of himself, Patrick Hickey and Moses Dyer who should not be short of suitors during the window.
Al-Amin Kazeem faced a similar dilemma last season and moved on. However, he has played 90 minutes only once all season for St Pat’s. Despite plundering Premier Division rivals for squad players, the Inchicore side’s form has fallen below all external expectations and likely those set internally too.
They have only won three games in their last 12 in the league. Those wins were against three of the bottom four, namely United, Cork and Sligo.
It is a paltry return for Stephen Kenny, who reports would suggest that he might be the best-backed League of Ireland manager of all-time, when it comes to his length and terms of tenure and the transfer funds made available.
They suffered their latest setback on Monday, losing at home to Shelbourne. Should United manage to compound their misery with another defeat, there would only be two points between the sides.
From seventh position it is difficult to envisage another European push. A win tomorrow night would seem necessary to reel Pat’s in. There should be some confidence too that Drogheda could be caught as their fast start is levelling out, they have only won once in their last seven.
After that it gets trickier, with Bohs, Shels and Derry ahead in the chasing pack. There has been some good news with the addition of Malcolm Shaw who tasted action in Derry. It is hoped he can ease the burden somewhat on Moses Dyer.
Ideally, there would be the same level of competition as there is in the back five, where Brendan Clarke, Killian Brouder and Bobby Burns are all knocking on the door for inclusion. Elsewhere, the side is less able to rotate or compensate for absences. The unavailability of the versatile Jimmy Keohane is particularly telling in this regard.
Despite all of this, United will fancy themselves tomorrow night. John Caulfield will relish the opportunity to get one over on his old rival. Should he manage to do so, there could be some scope to dream again.
