Dundee United’s assistant manager Lee Sharp has outlined a new tactical approach ahead of the team’s Scottish Premiership clash at Heart of Midlothian’s Tynecastle Stadium on Sunday. Following a seventh-place finish last season, Sharp revealed that the club has adopted a more attacking philosophy designed to increase goal-scoring opportunities.

Sharp identified goal-scoring deficiencies as a key issue during the previous campaign. “We didn’t score enough goals last season,” he said, prompting a summer rethink in both strategy and recruitment. The team has shifted from a 3-4-3 formation, which they employed since their return to the Premiership, back to a 4-3-3 system. This move is intended to better exploit wide areas and provide improved service to strikers.

The assistant manager emphasized that the tactical change is not limited to formation alone but involves a broader shift in mindset. Sharp expressed confidence that the current squad, supplemented by new signings aimed at enhancing attacking capabilities, will generate a “far greater goal threat.”

In addition to changes on the field, Sharp highlighted improvements in goalkeeping with the return of Jack Walton, who rejoined Dundee United after previously spending two years at the club. Walton is expected to strengthen the team’s defensive stability.

Sharp also stressed the club’s ambitions for this season. He said the primary goal is to break into the Premiership’s top six and compete for places in European competitions, doing so through an exciting, attacking style of play that moves away from a more pragmatic approach of recent campaigns.

Reflecting on the upcoming match, Sharp acknowledged the significance of playing at Tynecastle, describing it as one of Scottish football’s premier venues. Several Dundee United players will experience the stadium for the first time, and Sharp noted the atmosphere there is “brilliant” and adds to the occasion.

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin’s team arrives in Edinburgh unbeaten in their last three visits to Gorgie. Nevertheless, Sharp recognized the challenge that awaits and indicated that the upcoming fixture will be an important test of the team’s attacking qualities as they seek to establish their revised style early in the season.