THE European deal has been sealed for a second successive year.

It may not be on the scale of past glories - Gothenburg an all that - but for a club that had been in decline for more than a decade-and-a-half, Aberdeen are pleased to be able to embrace life in the qualifying stages of the Europa League, secured with this win over a Dundee United outfit who seem to have forgotten how to win.

Sure, United squeezed a single-goal victory against Hamilton the previous Saturday, but it was only their first in 11 games. Aberdeen, on the other hand, have tasted defeat only once in their last 19 Premiership games, impressive form in whatever arena.

So, while Jackie McNamara, the Dundee United manager, insists wins breed confidence in a team, he need only look at the performances of the Pittodrie side as Derek McInnes's charges check that their passports are up to date.

Ash Taylor, as solid a centre-back as their is in the league, joined Aberdeen in time to make his debut for the club against FK Daugava Riga in the second leg of the first qualifying round of the Europa League, new territory for him and most of his new team-mates.

But a July start to their season has not seen them wilt in a hectic league and cup schedule and the prospect of another short summer break.

"An early start won't bother us, as you have seen this season," he said. "We thrive on European football and while the summers are getting shorter, we are all fit boys.

"You have to look after yourself over the summer and we all go into the gyms when we are away on holiday. You need to keep yourself in shape to compete at the highest level."

Adam Rooney's first-half strike brought the win Aberdeen needed against United, who failed to capitalise on the red card shown to the host's Barry Robson for thrusting his arm into the face of Charlie Telfer 20 minutes from the end, a decision McInnes thought harsh.

Telfer was not inclined to disagree. "He caught me on the nose," the Tannadice youngster said. "I don't think there was any intent in it though. I just felt something coming across my face and striking me but I don't know if it was an arm or an elbow.

"I had been pressing him and he had his back to me. I think, to be fair, he has tried to turn and play the ball down the line."