Levein Shocked By Player's Reaction

Many were surprised by the manner in which Dundee United were beaten by Falkirk on News Years day, but even Bairn's manager John Hughes admitted the 5-1 score line didn't tell the whole story.

Although, manager Craig Levein hasn't been over critical of his side after losing 5 goals to Falkirk for the 2nd time this season.

Levein chalked up the awful performance as a "blip" when speaking after the match, but far more interesting were his comments to the Scotsport SPL cameras following the 5-1 defeat.

Levein has already said that it was an afternoon where too many of the Dundee United players were "off the pace" and "not playing well enough" - so he clearly wasn't happy with the performance.

However, he appeared more surprised at the way in which his side collapsed after Falkirk scored their 3rd goal.

"We were better in the 2nd half, until we went 3-1 down," Levein said on Scotsport.

"Then we downed tools, which was interesting to see."

With the January transfer window now open, Levein has the opportunity to bring in several new players and Chairman Eddie Thomson has promised the funds to do so.

Although, Levein's mysterious comments on Scotsport might suggest that not only was he surprised by what happened against Falkirk, but also that he is having doubts about some of the current squad aswell.

Perhaps there are some current players which Levein has decided are not part of his future plans and the New Years day collapse was the final nail in their coffins?

Even with Eddie Thomson promising money, it's likely that funds will still be limited, so several individuals might still have to be offloaded to make way for new players coming in?

Whatever happens on the transfer front over the next month, not even the established 1st team players can assume their futures are secure, because those on higher wages would probably be the first to go - especially if money becomes tight.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.