Willo Flood: Dominant Aberdeen Should Be Cautious Of Dundee United Threat

Willo Flood expects an exciting clash between two of his former clubs this weekend, issuing a warning to Aberdeen about the threats posed by Dundee United.

Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen remain unbeaten in the Premiership this season, but former Dons manager Jim Goodwin will be keen to secure a major victory against his old club on his return.

Despite Aberdeen’s excellent start, Flood thinks Thelin’s side should be cautious of the visitors on Saturday night with the Terrors in fourth place, seven points behind their opponents.

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"I think Jimmy Thelin has gone in and done a brilliant job,” Flood exclusively told Gambling.com. 

“He had a decent squad of players and brought in one or two that have made a difference. I think that game on Saturday against Celtic has definitely helped them.

"I think the big thing with Jimmy Thelin was his appointment. Steven Gunn was a big factor in bringing Jimmy Thelin to the club, so he has to get a lot of credit as well.

"There's been a few players impress me if I'm being honest. I think the Irish player coming in at centre back, Gavin Molloy, has done really well. He's made a massive difference to them. The goalkeeper who’s come from St Johnstone (Dimitar Mitov), he's been brilliant too.

"Obviously Graeme Shinnie is what he is - he does well every week. He's quite consistent, he's a leader, he's a winner. So I think they're on a good little run at the moment and long may it continue."

Under Goodwin, who was appointed in March 2023, Dundee United have returned to the top flight, and this weekend's clash with Aberdeen will be their first meeting since March of that year.

Although Aberdeen are currently level on points with Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premier League, Flood, who played for the Tannadice club on three occasions, believes United pose a real threat.

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"Jim Goodwin has done a terrific job at Dundee United,” he said. “Obviously he's done a bit of recruitment overseas which has worked out well for him.

"I just think United are well organised and they're very dangerous on set plays and they’re a goal threat. 

“If you asked any Dundee United fan their expectations, it would just be to get anywhere from 10th upwards. But since they’ve started the season well I'm sure the expectations are now top six.

 "If Jim can get anywhere near that with the budget he has and everything else, he's done an unbelievable job.”

Flood was speaking ahead of the Scottish Masters in Aberdeen next month, where former players from Aberdeen, Celtic, Dundee United and Rangers will compete and tickets are available to buy here.

At 39, Flood will represent United after making 187 appearances in the club's iconic tangerine and black during his career. 

He also played 80 games for Aberdeen, grew up a Celtic fan in Dublin, and made six appearances for the Hoops in 2009/10.

The former midfielder expects the tournament to be competitive, with some intense moments despite the age of the players.

He said: "I try to stay in shape, but after the Masters in Aberdeen I'm sure we'll be a stiff team. The big thing is getting back to see the lads again. I haven't seen a lot of them in a long time.

"I'm sure it'll be competitive, but I'm not sure it'll be as competitive as it used to be.

"That being said, when we get into the games and stuff I'm sure there'll be a few bad challenges and a few people saying a few things to each other, to wind each other up."