'Fourth after 11 games beyond the wildest dreams of United fans'

Last season's Championship winners have now played 11 games back in the top flight. A third of their pre-split fixtures have now been ticked off.

If manager Jim Goodwin was a teacher preparing his early season report card, what would he say about his class of 24-25 in assessment of the work they have done so far?

It might read something like this...

• Have settled into their new surroundings very well, very hard working, diligent, resilient, and have exceeded pre-term expectations, but there is still more to come.

OK, you can tell I am no teacher, but I have seen enough of Dundee United this season to know Goodwin will be more than happy with how his side have adapted to life back at Scottish football’s top table.

To be sitting in fourth place at this stage of the campaign is undoubtedly beyond the wildest dreams of even the most optimistic of Tangerines fans.

If they can see off Ross County at Tannadice in their final game before the next international break, then all connected with United will be justified in taking a step back and being rightly satisfied with the work done so far

However, football moves quickly and no one at United will be resting on their laurels as they look to try and further cement their top six credentials, and continue to put as much day light between themselves and the more unsavoury fight for survival at the other end of the table.