Dundee United vs Hearts: Scottish Premiership live coverage, stats & head-to-head

James Penrice’s sweet second-half strike gave “excellent” Hearts victory over Dundee United at Tannadice and kept them moving in the right direction in the Scottish Premiership, according to head coach Neil Critchley.

Hearts had the better chances in a scrappy and frenetic game, and Penrice made sure they eventually got their reward on 73 minutes when he smashed the ball past Jack Walton.

“It’s the first time we’ve had back-to-back league wins, which gives us a lift and keeps us moving in the direction we want to,” Critchley told BBC Scotland.

“It’s very tight in the league and we have to keep performing the way we did today.”

Liam Boyce, from a cross before the break, and Blair Spittal, with a free-kick in the second-half, both struck the crossbar for Hearts as in-form United struggled.

Jim Goodwin’s side were seeking a fourth-straight top-flight win for the first time since 2013 having catapulted themselves into third on Thursday, but they ended the game with just a single effort on target.

Hearts were far from fluid but always looked the more likely, even after Penrice’s thumping effort from inside the area.

The victory continues a positive start to 2025 for Neil Critchley’s men, who stay in 11th spot but move eight points clear of bottom side St Johnstone.

United remain in third but their four-game unbeaten run comes to an end.