The sell-out crowd witnessed a game with plenty of hard work, fouls and competitivenes, while there was a lack of quality at times.
Ian Harkes came up with the defining moment, turning on the edge of the box to fire past Adam Legzdins. There were some big performances for the Tangeroines, especially in defence and midfielder Jeando Fuchs.
It is the latest big win for Thomas Courts this season after victories over double winners St Johnstone and Scottish champions Rangers.
How did the United players rate out of ten?
Player ratings scale - 10: One of the best performances you've seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: A terrible day at the office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of the worst performances you've seen.
. DUNDEE, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 19: Dundee United's Ian Harkes celebrates scoring the winner during the cinch Premiership match between Dundee United and Dundee at Tannadice Stadium on September 19, 2021, in Dundee, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)
How the Dundee United players rated in the win over Dundee. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group) Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
. Benjamin Siegrist - 7
Returned to the starting XI was a calm presence in goal, with good handling. Made a decent save from Griffiths early in the match. Photo: Ross Parker - SNS Group
. Kerr Smith - 6
Tricky afternoon for the 16-year-old defender, who was clearly targeted by Dundee as an area of exploitation. Largely stood firm, but appeared to be injured early in the second half and was replaced after a yellow card. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
. Ryan Edwards - 8
Threw himself in front of a Byrne effort to stop it going in and cleared Marshall's shot off the line in stoppage time. Very impressive performance. Photo: Paul Devlin - SNS Group
13. Louis Appere - 5
PAISLEY, SCOTLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Dundee Utd's Louis Appere has a shot during a cinch Premiership match between St Mirren and Dundee United at SMISA Stadium on September 11, 2021, in Paisley, Scotland (Photo by Roddy Scott / SNS Group) Photo: Roddy Scott - SNS Group
14. Nicky Clark - n/a
On with nine minutes to go - was involved in build-up to winning goal. Photo: Mark Scates - SNS Group