​Dundee United may have bolstered their squad with eight new signings, but manager Jim Goodwin is far from done building a team that can punch effectively from wide areas. The club finished seventh in the Premiership last season, and Goodwin is intent on enhancing attacking options on the flanks as he plots a more threatening approach across the pitch.
Among the new arrivals are forwards Jesse Randall, Lachlan Rose, and Idjessi Metsoko, who are already contributing to a squad designed to push higher up the table. In a club media interview, Goodwin stressed that the work is far from complete: “We’re still nowhere near finished. We need to add more at the top end of the pitch, particularly in the wide areas.” He highlighted the trio as part of a broader plan to create more depth and danger in attacking transitions. “Jesse Mitsoko gives us three really good options at the top end with Zac Sapsford and Lachie Rose,” he explained, underscoring the potential there for versatile attacking combinations.
Jesse Randall remains in transit after featuring as a substitute in all three of New Zealand’s group-stage matches at the World Cup. The 23-year-old is capable of operating on either flank, which adds to United’s flexibility on the wings. Goodwin indicated that Randall should join the squad over the weekend and that the coaching staff will gradually bring him up to speed, noting that the forward’s recent schedule should help him adapt quickly. “He shouldn’t take too long to get him up to speed because he’s a fit boy. He’s not had a huge break after the World Cup, so he should be in relatively good shape,” the manager said.
In terms of the broader transfer activity, Dylan Tait has arrived from Falkirk, Michael Forbes has moved from West Ham, and goalkeeper Jack Walton has returned to the club. Goodwin praised the overall business conducted so far, describing it as excellent and the result of significant hard work. “There’s been a lot of hard work going into that,” he said. He added that the club had the freedom to act early, completing deals before the season finished, a strategy that has positioned United well ahead of some of their league rivals.
Looking ahead, Goodwin believes the early capture of new talent has given United a strong platform as they enter the next phase of the rebuild. He pointed out that this cycle benefits players who joined last summer, who have now settled in for a full year, creating a more cohesive and settled squad. As United prepare for the opening round of the Premier Sports Cup, with a trip to Stirling Albion on the horizon, Goodwin remains focused on maximizing every asset at his disposal and continuing the momentum of a squad that is evolving from one of depth and flexibility into a team capable of regular, wide-threat creativity. The aim is clear: to add sustained width and service for the forwards, while ensuring balance across the pitch as the campaign gets underway.