IF there was a touch of puzzlement behind Jackie McNamara's scathing assessment of Dundee United yesterday the Tannadice manager didn't allow it to dilute the message.

The manner of defeat, as much as the actuality, had clearly stung the former Celtic defender.

It would be doing Inverness - excellent throughout - some disservice to put their leap into joint top spot in the table just down to the visiting team's failings, but this was not the United that clocked up an impressive eight victories from 11 in the opening part of the season.

For McNamara, now facing a tricky midweek cup test against Hibernian, it was nonetheless unacceptable. "A lot of fear came into our passing," he reflected.

"In the second half, it was more about acceptance than doing something about it and being brave on the ball. I said to them afterwards the fear in our play at times was worrying."

Inverness were impressive, particularly in keeping and moving the ball at pace and probing United. Marley Watkins was the goal hero but it was difficult to find serious failings in a home display where team unity and understanding shone.

Watkins justified recent hype surrounding him with a strong, marauding show, though Greg Tansey's passing and deliveries into the box were exemplary.

The Tannadice team had to adjust to the absence of Paul Paton, with the midfielder and defender Mark Wilson left out while under club investigation.

Ryan Dow stepped into the central area in the only change from the previous week's narrow victory over Partick. The enforced switch didn't seem to hamper the Tannadice team at first and for the opening six minutes, the confident Terrors looked to have the beating of John Hughes' side.

After only a couple of minutes, Chris Erskine knocked an effort just over the bar while Jaroslaw Fojut's free header flew over Dean Brill's bar soon after. Erskine also struck the home post before Hughes' defence got a grip.

After eight minutes, a fine Greg Tansey pass cut a hole in United defences. Graeme Shinnie hit the by-line and fired in a low cross but Sean Dillon nipped in front of prowling Billy Mckay and cleared.

But the hosts were in front three minutes later with Tansey's fine low cross from the right finding Watkins sliding in between defenders to finish.

Inverness chipped away at United but never quite managed to kill the match as a contest.

It should have been two after 29 minutes as Josh Meekings rose unchallenged to meet another Tansey delivery with his head only to strike the post.

With play stretching and gaps opening in the second half, you might have expected a few clammy moments for Inverness, but they never really came.

Nadir Ciftci rose to meet substitute Conor Townsend's curling cross from the left but smacked his header high over.

The Turkish striker wove through again soon after but Brill comfortably held his shot.

"I've seen us play better than that, but what we have shown is an ability to work hard and grind out results," Hughes said. "When we've not been at it, that's been very important to us. We keep digging it out.

"Every one of them knew exactly what was required, knowing we're playing against a very good Dundee United team - any chance and it's in the back of your net."