John Rankin, the Dundee United midfielder, understands the frustration shown by supporters as the Tannadice club toiled to a 1-0 win against Partick Thistle on Saturday.

A late penalty from Nadir Ciftci was all that separated the teams.

United were jeered off by a number of fans at half-time, many of whom became accustomed last season to performances of panache and skill. Rankin was adamant last night that the United players share that sense of disappointment.

"We have not played well in a number of games," he said. "At the end of the game the dressing-room was so quiet as we never felt we won the game in the right manner."