Shed Talk 02 | Dundee United v FC UNA Strassen by dundeeunitedfc

CalForth Construction Ltd

Shed

CLUB HONOURS

Scottish Premier Division Champions 1983

Scottish Cup Winners 1994 and 2010

Scottish League Cup Winners 1979-80 and 1980-81

UEFA Cup Runners-up: 1986–87

JIM GOODWIN

Good evening everyone, and welcome home for a huge game at Tannadice!

Saturday’s draw against Oldham was a really worthwhile exercise. I’m grateful to Micky and his team for taking the game on. We knew how tough a test it would be in terms of physicality, aggression, pace, and power—exactly what we wanted at this stage of pre-season.

The players have shown an excellent attitude over the past five weeks. They’ve worked hard not just on the physical side but also in taking on the tactical aspects. We’re trying to play quicker, move the ball faster in transition, play through midfield, get the ball wide, and deliver quality crosses into the box.

I’m very pleased with how pre-season has gone. We knew there would be significant work to do in the transfer market after several departures. We’ve worked tirelessly to bring

in players who match the profile we need and I’m confident in the choices we’ve made.

We now turn our attention to this evening. The dressing room is excited and ready. Everything has been building toward this first competitive fixture against Strassen. We understand people may see us as favourites, but we won’t underestimate the opposition. European games always carry surprises, and we’re determined not to be one of them.

Ticket sales have been incredible, and it’s clear how excited our supporters are. Your support is invaluable, and the new players certainly appreciated it.

Thank you for your backing. Let’s build on this momentum.

ASHTON WILSON

AGE: 8

FAVOURITE PLAYER: ISAAC PAPPOE

KHALON PYPER

AGE: 8

FAVOURITE PLAYER: WILL FERRY

AYDEN BAXTER

AGE: 8

FAVOURITE PLAYER: KRISTIJAN TRAPANOVSKI

JAMIE STEEL

AGE: 11

FAVOURITE PLAYER: KRISTIJAN TRAPANOVSKI

SAM CLEALLHARDING

It was great to get a full 90 minutes under my belt in our final pre-season game against Oldham.

They’re a strong, physical side and that’s exactly the kind of challenge we need to get ready for the season ahead. It was actually the first full 90 I’ve had this pre-season due to a little injury niggle. Nothing major, but we didn’t want to risk turning it into something worse. I took a step back midweek to let it settle — and thankfully, it has. I’ve worked hard to stay fit throughout, even when it meant tough individual sessions with the physios. You’ve just got to keep your head down and push through.

Physically, I’ve definitely developed since I started playing senior football more regularly. It’s a massive jump from under18s in terms of pace and physicality, and I’ve had to adapt quickly. There’s still areas I want to improve, of course, but I feel like

I’m progressing well and growing into it each week.

I loved the run we went on last season — it was a brilliant way to finish, and it’s given me real belief heading into this campaign. I want to keep myself around the first-team and push to cement a place in the starting eleven. If I keep performing well and doing the right things in training, I’m confident I’ll get my opportunity — and when it comes, I’ll take it.

Of course, there’s a massive incentive this week too — European football. I was in the stands for that last European night at Tannadice, and the atmosphere was incredible. To now be in the squad pushing to play in a match like that would be unbelievable. If I get the chance on Thursday night, I’ll grab it with both hands.

LOCAL SUPPLIER OF KEGS, BOTTLED BEERS/LAGERS, SPIRITS, WINES AND SOFT DRINKS SHORT NOTICE DELIVERY SERVICE 7 DAYS A WEEK.

UEFA CONFERENCE LEAGUE

QUALIFYING 2025/26: FIXTURES, DATES & HOW IT WORKS

Dundee United’s European journey begins in the Second Qualifying Round of the UEFA Conference League – and it’s a long road to the group stage.

This season, no team qualifies directly. All 36 clubs in the league phase must earn their place through a series of two-legged ties across four stages:

First Qualifying Round, Second Qualifying Round, Third Qualifying Round, and the Play-Off Round.

United face Luxembourg outfit UNA Strassen over two legs – the first at Tannadice on Thursday 24 July, with the return fixture on Thursday 31 July.

If we progress, we’ll move into the Third Qualifying Round (7 & 14 August), then potentially the Play-Off Round (21 & 28 August), with the League Phase Draw taking place in Monaco on 29 August.

Focus On UNA STRASSEN

Founded in 1922, our guests this evening secured their best-ever league placing last term by finishing runners-up in Luxembourg’s National Division, thereby claiming their place in this season’s Europa Conference League.

UNA Strassen initially led an unremarkable existence after joining the national football federation in 1923. Following the liberation of Luxembourg at the end of the Second World War (during which they were forced to rename as FK Strassen), the club were placed in the third tier and never progressed above that level throughout the 20th century. Indeed, as late as 1994, UNA were plying their trade in the fifth division.

However, securing the 2. Division: Serie 2 (fourth tier) title in 1998/99 truly began their ascent towards the upper echelons of Luxembourg football. Another promotion in

2010/11 saw them take their place in the Division of Honour (second tier), and within five years the fairytale was complete, as a play-off win following an unexpected third-place finish took them to the National League.

Only once during their ten-year stay in the top flight have they flirted with relegation, and a sixthplace finish in 2023/24 saw them qualify for Europe for the first time in their history, when UEFA licensing issues meant Swift Hesperange and Jeunesse Esch could not take their allotted spot in the Conference League.

A wide-eyed crowd of 1,046 witnessed the underdogs hold the Finnish league runners-up, KuPS, to a 0–0 draw in Differdange. Unfortunately, the second leg saw the Scandinavians run out 5–0 victors.

Currently resident at the 1,500-capacity Complexe Sportif Jean Wirtz (although they’ll host our

tie next week at the Stade Municipal in Differdange), the club are currently building a brand new stadium to the southwest of their current home.

Unfortunately for Strassen, despite their rise through the leagues and the addition of some of the country’s finest talent, as well as a raft of ex-internationalists, their attendances have remained almost static over the past four years, with last season witnessing an average home gate of just 223. This evening’s Tannadice crowd is likely to be more than three times the number of Strassen’s entire home gate last term.

CHAIRMAN AND MANAGER

Chairman Luc Hilger took over the running of the club in 2018 and has modernised the club infrastructure, thus providing the solid financial

footing for UNA to take things to the next level. Fiscal responsibility, with an emphasis on longterm sustainability and community engagement, has proven successful, with Hilger’s long-term plans already coming to fruition.

However, possibly his most important move so far was appointing Stefano Bensi as manager last November.

Capped 55 times as a striker, Bensi made his name as a player with Fola Esch before taking up the manager’s post at the club. Successfully keeping Fola in the top flight in successive seasons — with what was widely regarded as a squad that would’ve struggled a division lower — it was no surprise that the ambitious Hilger lured him to Strassen.

Bensi immediately implemented a highpressing style within his favoured 3-4-3 formation. Sticking rigidly to his principles, the 36-yearold placed the emphasis firmly on attack and encourages a fluid style, with forwards given freedom to roam and interchange with each other. A busy summer transfer window has allowed Bensi to add the players he feels can perfect his aggressive, offensive style of football.

MATHEUS DE SOUZA

BENJAMIN ROMEYNS

ZACHARY HADJI

THE DANGER MEN

MATHEUS DE SOUZA is undoubtedly the man UNA will be pinning their hopes on this evening. The 31-year-old Brazilian striker was last season’s top goalscorer, with his 23 goals coming in just 30 matches. Also capable of playing on either flank, the 6’2” former Floriana attacker also weighed in with six assists.

ZACHARY HADJI chipped in with twelve league goals last term upon his return to Luxembourg after a spell in Switzerland, playing with both Lausanne Ouchy and our former foes Neuchâtel Xamax. Having previously been the National League top scorer with 33 goals back in 2020/21 with Fola Esch, it’s clear the 28-year-old — son of former Moroccan international Mustapha — knows where the net is.

NICOLAS PÉREZ is no stranger to European competition, having played a part in F91 Dudelange’s historic run to the Europa League group stage in 2018/19, defeating Cluj and Legia Warsaw en route. Now 34, the Frenchman began his career with Marseille as a youth before going on to Lille and Mouscron, amongst others, and has 41 league goals for UNA from 114 appearances.

STRENGHTHENING FOR EUROPE

This summer saw a raft of new faces arrive at Jean Wirtz as Strassen make only their second foray into European competition.

Central defender TIM HALL penned a three-year deal to return to his homeland. The 28-year-old former internationalist has had a nomadic career, sampling football in Belgium, Germany, Ukraine, Portugal, Poland, Cyprus, Hungary and Vietnam.

BENJAMIN ROMEYN joins from Wiltz 71, having scored twelve times in last season’s top flight. The physically

imposing 24-year-old Belgian further increases the goalscoring options at UNA’s disposal.

ERIC BRANDENBURGER is a two-footed, versatile defender who was previously capped at youth level. The 26-year-old joins from Victoria Rosport, where he was a regular last term.

Portuguese-born RICARDO DELGADO has spent his career in Luxembourg, making well over 300 appearances whilst featuring for F91 Dudelange and Jeunesse Esch. Capped ten times by the Red Lions, the 31-year-old defender brings immense experience as well as flexibility across the back line.

Highly rated teenage goalkeeper IVAN MARQUES has been signed with a view to the future. Although the youth international will predominantly perform for the U19 side, he is expected to be pushing for first-team recognition sooner rather than later.

BY RYAN HALDANE

(With credit to @Bence_Horvath_ of @LuxembourgFooty for his assistance)

SPORT PLAYS GREEN.

We have always believed in taking great care of the planet we live on. That’s why we continue to invest in eco-friendly technologies and machinery that have a low environmental impact. We follow the rules of circular economy rules, eliminating waste and making use of recycled materials. Likewise, the clothing we make adheres to this philosophy, thanks to our Standard 100 Oeko-Tex® certification that places extremely strict limits on harmful chemicals used in textile products. By 2030, we also aim to reduce our carbon footprint by 30% per unit sold and increase the use of sustainable materials by 20%. These are important steps, and there are many more to come. Because you can never love the environment too much.

From humble beginnings to the heights of European competition, FC Union Athlétique Strassen has forged a proud identity in Luxembourgish football. Founded in 1921, the club has experienced dramatic highs and testing lows, with its journey marked by resilience, community spirit, and a relentless drive for progress. As FC UNA continues to write new chapters in its history, here’s a look back at the key moments that have shaped the club over more than a century.

1921

Foundation of the UNA Strassen Athletic Union on 13 February.

1922

Affiliation to the Luxembourg Football Federation. The ground is located at the place called “Bauerepaesch”.

1923-40

Throughout this period, FC UNA had a difficult participation in the championship in the lower divisions.

1945

All the results of the championship matches played under the regime of the Nazi occupiers were declared null and void by the FLF.

1946-47

Promotion to Division 2.

1947-1948

Promotion to Division 1 (called “Promotion” at the time).

1948-1949

25th anniversary celebration with the inauguration of the new flag.

1950-51

Foundation of the first “Supporters’ Club” of FC UNA.

1954-55

FC UNA’s junior team loses in the semifinals of the Prince’s Cup against FOLA.

1961

40th anniversary celebration and inauguration of the new pitch at the place called “Hueflach”. Efficient lighting now makes it possible to play matches at night.

1964-65

Promotion to Division 1 (coach: Edmond Klein).

1967

Second foundation of the Supporters’ Club “Allez UNA”.

1967-96

The descent to Division 2 in 1967 marked the beginning of a long, confused period, with incessant comings and goings between Divisions 1, 2 and 3.

1974

Foundation of the Alumni Association.

1964-65

Promotion to Division 1 (coach: Edmond Klein).

1967

Second foundation of the Supporters’ Club “Allez UNA”.

1967-96

The descent to Division 2 in 1967 marked the beginning of a long, confused period, with incessant comings and goings between Divisions 1, 2 and 3.

1974 Foundation of the Alumni Association.

1976

Refoundation of the “Allez UNA” Supporters’ Club.

1977

Creation of the in-house newspaper “CLUB – NEWS”.

1989–1992

Construction of the synthetic pitch and redevelopment of the main pitch at “Hueflach”.

1992–1993

The junior team loses the semi-final match of the Prince’s Cup against Differdange.

1997 75th anniversary celebration.

1998–1999

Under coach Jacques Arnold, FC UNA are promoted to Division 1, where they play until 2011.

2000–2001

The Entente des scolaires Strassen/ Bertrange wins the title of vicechampions of Luxembourg.

2001

Construction of new changing rooms.

2002

Inauguration of the new synthetic pitch.

2003–2004

The Espoirs team (under-21) loses in the final of the Prince’s Cup against SPORA Luxembourg.

2004-05

The cadet team (under-17) loses in the final of the Cadet Cup against Differdange.

2009-10

The senior team enjoyed its best season, finishing 3rd in Division 1 with 57 points.

2010-11

Promotion to the Promotion d’Honneur (coaches: Patrick Gloden and Markus Stegmann).

2013

Lost promotion play-off to Progrès Niederkorn in extra time before 2,500 fans.

2014–2015

Promoted to BGL League after beating UN Käerjeng 3–0; Under-11s won Futsal finals.

2018-19

Manu Correia guided UNA to 7th place; reached Luxembourg Cup quarter-finals.

2023

9th Place finish and construction begins on new stadium

Qualification for the Champions League

Qualification

qualifying

Qualification

PREVIOUS JOUSTS WITH LUXEMBOURG

Scottish clubs have rarely faced Luxembourg opposition in Europe. Tonight’s clash with FC Una Strassen is only the sixth such meeting!

With both Celtic and Rangers having faced Luxembourg teams twice before, tonight’s opponents are just the fourth Luxembourg club involved.

Celtic first met a Luxembourg team, Jeunesse Esch, in the 1977 European Cup first round. In the first leg at Celtic Park, Jock Stein’s side dominated with a 5-0 win in front of 22,000 fans. Roddy MacDonald opened the scoring after 20 minutes, Paul Wilson added a second just before half-time, Joe Craig scored twice

by the hour mark, and substitute Brian McLaughlin sealed the victory. Celtic also had three penalty claims denied.

The second leg, played two weeks later, ended 6-1 to Celtic. Jeunesse Esch shocked the crowd by scoring after just 40 seconds, but Bobby Lennox equalised before half-time. A stronger Celtic second half saw goals from Ronnie Glavin (two), Johannes Edvaldsson (two), and Joe Craig.

The teams met again 23 years later in the UEFA Cup under Martin O’Neill. Celtic won comfortably on aggregate, 4-0, with goals from Ľubomír Moravčík (two), Henrik Larsson, and Paul Lambert.

Celtic’s second meeting with Jeunesse Esch in 2000 saw a 7-0 victory at home, with Mark Burchill scoring a quick hat-trick.

Since then, matches involving Luxembourg teams have been tougher for Scottish sides. Aberdeen met CS Fola Esch in the 2016 Europa League first qualifying round. After a goalless home first leg, Shay Logan put Aberdeen ahead away, only for Fola to equalise quickly. Late goals from Niall McGinn and Adam Rooney helped Aberdeen through, but the performance was poor, with Fola hitting the post and causing plenty of problems. Notably, Fola’s Stefano Bensi, now Una Strassen’s manager, nearly scored to

The sides met again in 2019 in the Europa League second qualifying round. Rangers dominated but won only 2-0 at home with goals from Joe Aribo and Sheyi Ojo. A 0-0 away draw secured their progression, avoiding a repeat of the previous upset.

eliminate Aberdeen.

Aberdeen became the first Scottish side to lose to a Luxembourg team, but still advanced. Rangers, however, had no such luck a year later against Progres Niedercorn. After a narrow 1-0 home win, Rangers suffered a historic 2-0 defeat away—their worst European result ever—thanks to second-half goals from Emmanuel Francoise and Sebastien Thill. This was Progres’ first-ever European win against a major Scottish club.

first-ever European win and one of Rangers’ worst results.

Two years later, Rangers got their revenge. A 2-0 win at Ibrox and a solid display in Luxembourg saw them through on aggregate.

Aberdeen may have lost to a Luxembourg side but still advanced— Rangers weren’t as fortunate.

In 2017, Rangers returned to Europe with a narrow 1-0 win over Progres Niederkorn, only to suffer a humiliating 2-0 defeat in the return leg. It was the Luxembourg side’s

Celtic’s easy wins aside, recent ties with Luxembourg clubs have been anything but straightforward— something surely noted in Jim Goodwin’s team talk tonight.

UNITED IN EUROPE

From Barcelona to Bucharest, Dundee United’s European story is one of unforgettable nights and famous names. This timeline captures every continental clash from 1966 to 2022 – the scores, the scorers, and the stages reached. Relive the milestones that made Tannadice roar and took the Tangerines across the continent. Here’s our proud record in Europe, told match by match.

1971 – Chung Yong (South Korea) 3-3

United | Friendly

24 JULY

pre-season trip to the Far East actually involved United facing what was effectively the country’s national team.

Not necessarily from this game, but pictured is the squad involved in the three-match trip to the Orient.

Although ostensibly facing a club side, the

Indeed, 22,000 spectators witnessed the 3-3 draw, in which Jackie Copland, Kenny Cameron and Alan Gordon scored for Jerry Kerr’s side.

1982 – Birkerød 0-1

United | Friendly

Jim McLean used this fourth game of the Scandinavian tour to shape his backline ahead of the UEFA Cup tie with PSV Eindhoven. A wellorganised United side soaked up pressure and struck on the break, with Paul Hegarty heading in the only goal just before half-time. Keeper John Gardiner went the full match without having to make a save.

1993 – Brechin City 0-2

United | Friendly

Trialist Chris Myers opened the scoring before signing permanently. Dailly created the first, and a Bowman cross led to a second as United controlled proceedings.

1999 – Arbroath 0-0

United | Friendly

A team comprising youngsters, fringe firstteamers, and three trialists were held to a goalless draw by Second Division Arbroath at Gayfield. It was still rated a useful exercise, watched by 450 fans.

2004 – Forfar Athletic

2-4 United | Friendly

Mark Kerr scored the goal of the game.

United twice came from behind in a lively match at Station Park. Barry Robson and Jim McIntyre provided key assists, while Jason Scotland scored a thunderous effort from 30 yards. Mark Kerr capped the win with a superb flicked header from a McIntyre cross late on.

2005 – Sheffield Wed 1-2 United | Friendly (City of Discovery Cup Final)

United came from a goal down to defeat Paul Sturrock’s Sheffield Wednesday and lift the first City of Discovery Cup at Dens Park. Lee Peacock opened the scoring, but goals from Patrick Collins and Garry Kenneth turned the game around. Trialist Rami Shaaban played in goal, while assistant manager Billy Dodds captained the side from sweeper.

2007 – Forfar Athletic 1-1 United | Friendly

Just days before a glamour tie with Barcelona, United’s second string travelled to face Forfar. With an average age of 19, the young Tangerines fell behind early but fought back through Johnny Russell, who nodded in from close range after David Goodwillie’s clever assist.

at centre-back alongside Garry Kenneth, while winger Jennison MyrieWilliams delivered the cross that set up the late goal.

2011 – United 1-1 Kilmarnock | SPL

Danny Swanson salvaged a point with a fierce strike after his initial free-kick was blocked. It followed a 25-yard opener from Killie’s Rory McKeown just after half-time.

2012 – Alloa Athletic 0-2 United | Friendly

Two goals from Johnny Russell secured a deserved win at the Indodrill. The newly promoted Alloa side tested United, hitting the woodwork twice, but Russell’s sharp finishes either side of the break gave Peter Houston’s team the edge.

2013 – Dunfermline 1-3 United | Friendly

2010 – Glentoran 1-1 United | Friendly

Damian Casalinuovo grabbed a last-minute equaliser in Belfast as United drew with a spirited Glentoran side. Trialist Irmantas Zelmikas started

After conceding early, United responded well with goals from Ryan Gauld, David Goodwillie and Ryan Dow. Gauld impressed in a free role behind the striker, while McNamara’s 4-2-3-1 system allowed United to dominate possession and create regular chances in a convincing win.

MENS FIRST TEAM

FIXTURES AND RESULTS

MENS FIRST TEAM

FIXTURES AND RESULTS

YEVHENII KUCHERENKO (GK)

RYAN STRAIN

BERT ESSELINK

IURIE IOVU

VICKO ŠEVELJ

ROSS GRAHAM

KRISTIJAN TRAPANOVSKI

PANUTCHE CAMARÁ

ZAC SAPSFORD

WILL FERRY

CRAIG SIBBALD

AMAR FATAH

KAI FOTHERINGHAM

IVAN DOLČEK

JORT VAN DER SANDE

DARIO NAAMO

KRISZTIAN KERESZTES

DAVE RICHARDS (GK)

RICHARD ODADA

MILLER THOMSON

LEWIS O’DONNELL

RUAIRIDH ADAMS (GK)

OWEN STIRTON

CHARLIE DEWAR

MAX WAT TERS

SAM CLEALL-HARDING

SCOT T CONSTABLE

CALVIN BEATTIE

ISAAC PAPPOE

KORAY ÖZCAN (GK)

DIOGO PIMENTEL

PADDY BOCK

DENIS SCHÜTTE

VOVA

JIMMY GONCALVES

AMINE ZENADJI

EDIS AGOVIC

ALEXANDRE SACRAS

LOGAN REVÉS

DIOGO GARRIDO (GK)

LUKAS SEVER

ZACHARY HADJI

DENIS AGOVIC

MATHEUS SOUZA

JASON KALUANGA

DODDY BOPAKA

NICOLAS PEREZ

DARYL MYRE

TIM HALL

RICARDO DELGADO

ERIC BRANDENBURGER

ALEN AGOVIC

DAVID DADASHEV

BENJAMIN ROMEYNS

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Marc Nagtegaal NED

AR1: Johan Balder NED

AR2: Roy De Nas NED