McNamara optimistic over chances
Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara is optimistic his side can improve on last season's fifth-place finish in the Ladbrokes Premiership.
United began last term with a 3-0 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie, but three of their attacking threats from that day now line up for Celtic as the two north-east teams prepare to open their season against each other again, this time at Tannadice on Sunday.
United struggled after selling Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong in the winter transfer window, claiming only 11 points from their last 15 matches, and went on to sell Nadir Ciftci to the champions in the summer.
But McNamara has made some interesting signings, including Dutch midfielder Rodney Sneijder, brother of Holland international Wesley, and former Ajax forward Darko Bodul, as well as young Scottish defenders Coll Donaldson and Mark Durnan.
McNamara is also convinced some of his January signings, including Henri Anier and Robbie Muirhead, are ready to make a far greater contribution.
He said: "There's plenty to be positive about. It's a big game and there should be a good crowd. These are the kind of games players should look forward to.
"We've brought in some new players as well over the summer so there's a lot to look forward to.
"The start of the new season is always an exciting time and this year is no different.
"We want to improve on last season and that has got to be our aim over the course of the campaign."
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has urged his players and fans to make their season opener a special event.
When the Dons lost to Sunday's hosts on the opening weekend of last season, they had already played six matches - the latest three days earlier as they exited the Europa League following a 3-2 home defeat by Real Sociedad.
McInnes detected an air of anti-climax even before the Pittodrie clash with United had started and he wants no repeat.
This year Aberdeen are still involved in their Europa League qualifying campaign, having kept their hopes alive with a 2-1 defeat by Kairat Almaty in Kazakhstan on Thursday night.
But, despite the qualifying drama and the effects of one of European football's longest journeys, McInnes wants the beginning of the Ladbrokes Premiership season to be given the appropriate limelight - especially as he wants to avoid a repeat of last year's disappointing start.
McInnes said: "I think it's important that that stimulus is there from everybody, and I include the supporters in that.
"It didn't feel like the first game of the season for me last year, and I felt that even coming from the stands.
"There were the highs of the Groningen and the Sociedad games, but it's important that we all meet the challenge head on.
"It's important we all feel stimulated and excited about that first game, because we will take a good crowd to Tannadice and they will expect their team to win. We need to put that demand on ourselves.
"It will be tough, it's a tough opener going there. United always offer a difficult challenge."
Source: PAR
