Chances at a premium for Dundee United's Lawrence Shankland as international striker looks visibly frustrated - and with Rangers next up

Following news of the Covid-19 outbreak at Tannadice that had sent as many as nine first-team squad members into temporary exile, there was considerable relief when Dundee United fans saw Lawrence Shankland’s name on the team-sheet on Saturday against Livingston.

Dundee United's Lawrence Shankland at full time of Saturday's 2-0 defeat against Livingston (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

Their talisman had been spared along with most other first-team regulars. But then, did it really matter in the final analysis?

As good as Shankland is, he can’t be expected to score goals from a maximum of two half-chances. United might as well have had Robert Lewandowski playing up front against Livingston for all the difference it would have made.

Both sides were culpable for one of the worst opening halves seen this season. There seemed to be a severe lack of sophistication on show. The cacophony of shouts from the players in a near-empty, freezing stadium served only to reinforce this impression. It was miserable to watch – which is what Shankland is doing much of the time as United resort to a very direct brand of football.

The opportunities he once feasted on are no longer being created. After his first 11 league games last season, he had 16 goals. This season, it’s just two – both scored back in September.

It’s obviously a step up in standard from the Championship. But this is an international class-striker we’re talking about.

An alarming statistic from earlier this season underlined United’s problems. Shankland was managing only two or three touches inside the penalty box per game. This was put to the striker prior to a game against St Johnstone in October. "Essentially that is where you score most of your goals as a striker,” he agreed. He added that it was something they were working on.

It then finished 0-0 at McDiarmid Park. There’s since been little evidence things are changing. Shankland is beginning to look visibly frustrated.

He was lucky if he touched the ball more than two or three times in the opponents’ box in the opening half against Livingston. His strike partner, fellow Scotland international Marc McNulty, fared no better on his return to his first club.

United’s needs changed shortly before the hour mark when Scott Pittman was allowed to run fully 40 yards before firing low into the bottom corner of Benji Siegrist’s net. They were now required to chase the game. It put an onus on the forwards – or perhaps more accurately, on those behind them to create opportunities. It’s simply not happening. United yearn for a creative midfielder. Cameroon international Jeando Fuchs is a neat and tidy player but can't be relied upon to provide the killer pass.

It was a slightly strange situation in that the stand-in manager trying to inspire United to greater efforts was someone who, in normal circumstances, has precious little contact with the first team.

Academy coach Thomas Courts stepped in and filled the breach with Micky Mellon and assistant Stephen Frail self-isolating at home along with a number of players.

United could not lift themselves. A rare goal from Marvin Bartley put Livingston two ahead. As for Shankland, he finally managed a few touches of note in the box in the final minutes. He was thwarted by a block from Max Stryjek after a half-chance opened up from an angle with four minutes left.

There was another, later opportunity but he delayed pulling the trigger and won only a corner. Rangers, who have not conceded a goal in their last eight domestic outings, are next up at Tannadice. Shankland’s frustrations seem set to continue.

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