Dundee United: ‘Pressure always there’ as Goodwin seeks upturn

“There’s no hiding place in this game. We’re judged on results and we’re judged on performances. Wilfred Nancy is no different to any of the rest of us.

“The pressure is always there. I’m no different to anybody else. I need to start winning games.”

Over the weekend, Kilmarnock sacked Stuart Kettlewell, while Ross County, relegated from the top flight last season, parted ways with Tony Docherty.

“I think patience is probably not a virtue that too many have in the modern day,” Goodwin suggested. “I think we’re all wanting instant success.

“During my time here at Dundee United, we’ve done not too bad in terms of getting out of the Championship at the first time of asking, finishing fourth in the league last year.

“We enjoyed a bit of European football in the summer. But I’m not shying away from the fact that I’m not satisfied with where we are in the league table at the moment.

“It is always, for me, about putting context on the results. I’m honest enough to admit when we get things wrong, but I don’t think the team has played particularly badly.

“We’ve just had too many draws and it’s about finding a way to turn those draws into victories.”

With just three wins from their 16 Premiership outings, United sit eighth, 15 points behind Celtic in second place.

“It’s important to remember Celtic are a team full of international-class players, individuals used to winning trophies and no doubt hurting after losing the cup final,” Goodwin added.

“I’m pretty sure they’ll want to show a positive reaction to that, so we’ve got to be wary of that and, at the same time, believe that, if we can put on a game plan and performance similar to St Mirren, then there’s no reason why we can’t get the same outcome.”