Leaders Hearts have ‘off day’ as winter test looms

The biggest news pre-match at Tynecastle was the absence of midfielder Beni Baningime, who had started eight league games in a row, and who is set to be out for up to six weeks.

Come full-time the McInnes felt his team missed Baningime’s “calmness” in the middle of the pitch as they frantically pursued a winner.

Only Motherwell had previously left Tynecastle with a point this season due to the intensity of Heart’s play.

Their ability to get the ball forward with speed and make sides defend their box has been a hallmark.

They managed 81 final third entries against United and sent in 21 crosses, but it was not accompanied with the usual composure and quality as they managed just two shots on target.

“The game lacked our usual control,” McInnes told BBC Scotland.

“We got a bit more control in the second half but Dundee United still carried a threat.

“We just lacked a wee bit of quality and we needed to stay calm. We were a wee bit excitable at times. We played last-five-minute football for the majority of the second half.

“We just needed a wee bit more trust in what we do.”

Baningime is Hearts’ most accurate passer this season and of players who have featured regularly has also won the highest percentage of his duels.

His ability to pick passes in the heat of the battle and stop counter attacks, which United had lots of joy with, was sorely missed.

His partner in crime Cammy Devlin was outstanding again and was Hearts’ most influential player, but Tomas Magnusson was less effective as Baningime’s replacement.

The Icelander’s passing accuracy was down at 77% and he won four of his 10 duels in a frantic and physical game.

Record-signing Ageu was at least fit enough to come on in the second half.

McInnes had picked the same side for six consecutive games until last week’s win over Dundee, and his roation went off without a hitch against a passive side.

But with Baningime now out for at least the next month and Craig Halkett also suspended for the next game against Aberdeen it feels like Hearts’ squad depth will be fully tested in a busy winter.