The hope in season-defining week is for 'less fear, more fun'

Well, for the second time this season a Dundee United side have headed through to Fir Park and almost accepted defeat before they were off the bus.

The Steelmen, in fairness, have been a revelation this season, but as a United fan I find it hard to stomach just how meekly we perform in this fixture.

It's so defensive and frustrating and you'll never convince me the United players enjoy setting up to simply 'follow their man' all afternoon. Grim times.

What this has left us with, however, is arguably United's most important week of the season so far. Which is a polite way of saying: buckle up, Arabs.

For my money, we still have a little work to do to ensure we're in the top flight next season. Remaining in the Premiership should be the barest of minimum requirements for any United side. We are a proud club. We have history. We have opinions. Lots of opinions.

On paper, tonight's visit of St Mirren to Tannadice is a very winnable game. St Mirren have registered just one away win all season in the league, which in true footballing fashion means they are now guaranteed to look like 1970 Brazil for 20-minute spells.

It's not quite a must-win, but it is very much a must-not-lose. The kind of game where you'd love an early goal to settle the nerves, but would also spend the remaining 83 minutes plus stoppage time watching through your fingers.

Then, once that's out the way, 1,900 Arabs will be making the pilgrimage to Falkirk on Friday night to face the impressive Bairns.

It's far from mission impossible. It's more mission 'Please just turn up and play like you mean it'. Get through that and it's a trip to Hampden, and suddenly the entire mood shifts.

Cup football has that magic. Form goes out the window. Logic follows it. And occasionally, United remember they're allowed to attack.

So here's the hope: a little less follow your man, a little more follow your instincts. A little less fear, a little more fun.

And ideally, at least one week where supporting United doesn't feel like a cardio workout for the soul.

Paul McNicoll can be found at the Dode Fox Podcast