Top-six finish would eclipse United cup victory, claims Peter Houston

The Tannadice manager was given the Clydesdale Bank award for leading United to maximum points from four matches last month, including a win over Rangers. And United were further honoured when winger Gary Mackay-Steven was voted Young Player of the Month for the second time.

Houston said months ago that taking the Tangerines to the top six would be a bigger accomplishment than lifting the cup at Hampden two years ago.

Having lost key men like Craig Conway, Morgaro Gomis and Prince Buaben in the summer and forced to rebuild on a lesser budget, Houston was left with just 16 players at the start of the campaign.

But he has added wisely in the form of Mackay-Steven, Robbie Neilson and Richie Ryan, and the emergence of young talent from the youth ranks has further bolstered their ambitions.

United sit in fourth place and are on the tails of Motherwell in the fight for the Champions League. Houston said: “I am delighted to win the award, but it’s down to the players. I know every manager says that, but that’s because it’s true. You are only as good as the players you have and mine have been brilliant for me – they have worked so hard.

“It’s strange because the first award I won was March 2010, the second one was March 2011 and this one is March 2012. So I’m sure people will be asking who votes for it at this time of year!

“I said a while back that the top six would be a bigger achievement than winning the Scottish Cup and I stand by that.

“At the start of the season I only had 16 players. But we have had young players come through and we have been able to strengthen. Bringing in the likes of Richie Ryan has helped because we’ve got a very strong bench now.

“I have guys like Richie, Garry Kenneth, Keith Watson, Ryan Dow and Barry Douglas who are not getting into the team.

“I took them aside recently and explained to them that it’s not down to them. They have been doing well in training, but the guys who have the jerseys are doing the job.

“I can’t change the defence because things are going so well: we are keeping clean sheets and are scoring goals. The guys in possession of the jerseys are in charge just now until such time as they let their standards drop.

“That competition for places is healthy. It is a season of transition for the club, but I suppose every year is going to be like that from now on. It’s the same everywhere else, too. Players are only staying at clubs for a certain amount of time so it’s a constant rebuilding process.”

Mackay-Steven joined on a free transfer from Airdrie in the summer and has turned out to be the bargain of the season.

The ex-Liverpool youngster has already won a new contract and has been a major catalyst behind United’s success.

And Houston believes there is still more to come from a player who only broke into the side properly in November. He said: “Gary has been fantastic. We gave him a go against Rangers and he has not looked back.

“He has been very consistent, especially when you consider this is his first real taste of first-team football.”