Dundee United picked up a vital three points as they moved off the bottom of the table after a 2-1 victory away to Motherwell.

The Tannadice club made it two wins from two in the Scottish Premiership after originally falling behind to a strike from Kevin van Veen.

Despite the hosts being the better team in the first half, United regrouped at the break and put on an excellent showing in the second.

First, a neat finish from midfielder Ilmari Niskanen levelled up proceedings 63 minutes in.

Just six minutes later United captain Steven Fletcher won a penalty after being fouled by Well keeper Liam Kelly.

Jamie McGrath stepped up to convert from the spot to give Jim Goodwin's men a crucial three points.

The home team did have chances in the match but passed up several opportunities to extend their lead and it ultimately cost them.

Kevin van Veen scores again

The 31-year-old has been sensational for Motherwell this season and his fingerprints were all over this match. As well as scoring, he was a constant nuisance for the away side's defenders. Whether it was winning fouls or causing trouble with his movement, the Dutchman was the star man on the pitch. And he could have had more than one goal after putting a glorious chance just over the bar not long before the break. Into the second 45, the striker did have the ball in the net for the second time but it was flagged for offside. He then forced an excellent save from United goalkeeper Mark Birightti after turning his marker. Ultimately these chances did prove to be costly given the final result but Van Veen once again showed his importance for the hosts and he will be vital if they are to have a strong end to the season.

Another big win for United

Goodwin's side seems to be hitting form at exactly the right time. After a shaky start and going into the break a goal down it would have been easy for the visitors to dip out of the match but what happened was the complete opposite. Whatever the Irishman said to his players at half-time clearly worked as his side came back out and put on an inspired performance. Their passing was crisp and they were solid at the back with Birightti making several excellent saves while the Tanndice club were behind. Aziz Behich was particularly bright and provided them with plenty of width to get up the pitch. Niskanen's equaliser was well deserved when it came just after the hour mark and from there the visitors were dominant. Fletcher then won the penalty after a clear foul and McGrath dispatched what will likely be one of the most important United goals of the season.

Fletcher leads the line

The former Scotland international played the target man role to perfection at Fir Park and provided his team with an excellent outlet. Not dissimilar to his counterpart Van Veen, he was causing havoc all afternoon. Outside of winning the penalty for the winning goal, the forward was a constant nuisance. He ran the channels very well and used his experience to help the visitors to a vital win, rolling back the years. If Goodwin's men do manage to avoid the drop then Fletcher is likely to be an important part of that outcome. United will be thankful to have the veteran in their ranks.