Paul McMullan said the victory was for the fans when he spoke to ArabZONE after the penalty shoot-out win over Dundee at Dens on Sunday.
"It is important for the fans even if it is on penalties to get the bragging rights and an advantage for the next time we play them." he said.
The opportunity to play as a striker was one that McMullan performed with aplomb, but it was with a typical modesty that he suggested that the result was the most important thing.
"I played up front when I was younger and when the gaffer said he didn't have a fit striker and could I do the job I was happy to do so. Thankfully I got a goal and the team got a good result, so it's all good."
Some of the passing and movement between the United front four was a joy to watch during the 90 minutes, but McMullan maintains there is more to come.
"Good players like playing with good players, it is that simple. Playing alongside some of these guys is fun. It will only get better as the season goes on and our understanding of each other grows but I am enjoying it and the rest of the guys are, too."
The league campaign kicks off at Inverness next Saturday and McMullan expects United to be hitting peak form going into the campaign.
"The pre-season games have been tough, but I think we are raring to go for the league campaign and will be ready for Inverness next week."
In a match where both teams had periods of ascendancy, McMullan thought United could have secured victory before Dundee equalised but is expecting another cracking tie when the teams meet again in the second round.
"For spells, we had good opportunities and I thought we had the chance to kill the game off at 1-0. It will be another good game when we come back here, and hopefully, we can win it."
