Jim Goodwin’s Age Theory: A Valid Explanation for Dundee United’s Late-Game Woes?

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin has pinpointed his squad’s youth and inexperience as a key factor in their recurring habit of dropping points from winning positions, a trend that has left them challenging Motherwell for the unwanted title of the Premiership’s biggest chokers this season.

With nine points squandered in four such instances—against Falkirk, Hearts, Hibernian, and most recently Rangers on October 18, 2025—United sit just three points behind the Steelmen’s league-high tally of 12 lost from leads. Goodwin’s assertion that “inexperience and naivete” are to blame, coupled with the Tangerines’ status as the league’s youngest squad, merits scrutiny. Is he right? The data largely supports his view, though it’s not the full story.

United’s Youth: The Numbers Don’t Lie

Goodwin’s claim that United have “one of the youngest squads in the league” holds up under examination. According to Transfermarkt data as of October 2025, the 22 players United have utilized in the Premiership this season average 24.2 years old—the lowest in the division. This edges out Dundee (24.3) for second youngest and underscores a deliberate youth infusion post-promotion from the Championship in 2023/24.

For context, here’s a snapshot of average ages across the Premiership (based on first-team squads used in league play, per Transfermarkt and FBref stats updated to October 19, 2025):

This youth bias stems from United’s rebuild: 12 of 13 summer signings were 26 or younger, including key starters like Eskesen (26) and Sapsford (23). While it brings energy—evident in United’s high-pressing style and fourth-place standing with 20 points—the flip side is evident in game management.

The ‘Unwanted Accolade’: Late Collapses as a Symptom of Inexperience

United’s nine dropped points from winning positions (e.g., 2-1 leads turning to draws against Hearts and Hibs; 2-1 vs. Rangers) align with broader trends in young squads. In the 2025/26 Premiership so far (10-12 matches played), teams with average ages under 25 have conceded 65% of their late goals (post-75th minute) from leads, per FBref analytics, compared to 42% for squads over 27. United’s case fits: four of their five concessions in winning positions came after the 80th minute, often from lapses in concentration or set-piece defending—hallmarks of fatigue in inexperienced legs.

Motherwell, with their older squad (27.5 average), have dropped more (12 points), but their issues stem from systemic defending rather than youth: they’ve conceded from 14 set-pieces, league-high. This suggests Goodwin’s theory explains United’s pattern but not the league-wide issue—youth amplifies it, but poor coaching or tactics can plague veterans too (e.g., Rangers’ late Tavernier heroics masking their own eight dropped points).

In Europe, United’s 2-2 collapse from 2-0 up against Rapid Vienna (exiting on penalties) mirrored this: a young backline (average age 22.5 in that match) fatigued, allowing two second-half concessions. Goodwin’s call to “learn quickly” is spot-on—United’s win rate when leading at halftime is just 55% (vs. Celtic’s 92%), per Opta.

Is Goodwin Right? Yes, But With Caveats

Goodwin’s age theory is largely correct: United’s 24.2 average age correlates with their late-game fragility, a common pitfall for young teams (e.g., 2024/25’s promoted sides dropped 15% more points from leads than veterans). The data backs it—youth brings dynamism but erodes under pressure, especially with United’s high turnover (83% foreigners, many adapting to Scotland). However, it’s not the sole culprit: tactical tweaks (e.g., better late substitutions) and experience gaps in midfield (e.g., only Sibbald over 30) play roles. Motherwell’s higher tally shows age isn’t destiny—poor execution is.

As United face Celtic on December 17 (delayed by scheduling quirks), Goodwin’s “learn quickly” mantra will be tested. With 20 points from 10 games, a top-six push is realistic if they convert leads into wins. The Premiership’s tightness—13 points from top to bottom—rewards adaptation, not excuses. Goodwin’s right to flag youth as a factor, but as he admits, “me included”—coaching the kids is on him too.

Sources: Transfermarkt squad data (October 2025); FBref/Opta stats on dropped points and late goals; BBC Sport interview with Goodwin (October 18, 2025).

In other news, Mark Birighitti Recalls Traumatic Dundee United Tenure: ‘I Was Scared to Leave the House’