It was a delighted Ray McKinnon who spoke to the ArabZONE cameras after the Dundee Derby yesterday at Dens, a tie in which United secured the extra point on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
"I am very happy today. We played some great attacking football particularly in the first half however even the second half we showed great battling, so I am very pleased with the performance," said Ray.
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Despite coming into the game missing three strikers to injury, McKinnon was delighted with the performance of his front four including goalscorer Paul McMullan.
"In McMullan, we had a winger playing up top, but I thought he was magnificent today, alongside the other three attackers - they were all excellent.
"Scott McDonald needs training, but I wanted the fans to see him for fifteen minutes or so. He will bring the link-up, and it may take two or three weeks, but he will be a real player for us."
Goalkeeper Harry Lewis was chosen between the sticks ahead of fellow goalkeeper Deniz and Ray thought the young Englishman proved the decision correct.
"Harry Lewis was fantastic. A 19-year-old kid who showed great maturity. His decision making was excellent, he produced a few top notch saves and also had two penalty saves as well."
United's prize for winning Group C was a return trip to Dens on either Tuesday 8 or Wednesday 9 August after the second round draw produced a replica tie.
"That's incredible that we have been drawn together again, but it is great for the city and the fans of both teams. It's a fantastic occasion and to have two in such a quick time after a year out is great for everyone.
"We know we have nothing to fear coming back to Dens in ten days or so. We will hopefully have a few players back by then also, so we will have a few more options available to us. Dundee are a good team but I enjoyed my first derby as manager and I want to enjoy my second also.
A crowd of 10,460 included 3,981 United fans and the manager was happy for them also.
"It is great they can go home with the bragging rights. They turned out in great numbers and loudly backed the team throughout. I am sure they will turn out in similar number for the next one, too."
