Key Takeaways:
- Aberdeen suffered defeat by Dundee United, leaving them with one point from five Scottish Premiership matches and yet to score this season.
- Manager Jimmy Thelin stated the club had reached “rock bottom” following the result and acknowledged mounting pressure from fans.
- The Dons have secured just four league victories in 2025 despite investment in the squad after their Scottish Cup triumph in May.
Match Report: Pittodrie Side Struggle for Form
Aberdeen’s poor start to their Scottish Premiership campaign continued following a lifeless display against Dundee United. Ivan Dolcek netted the opener before the interval, with Bert Esselink doubling the hosts’ advantage after the restart. The result means Aberdeen have accumulated just one point from their opening five top-flight fixtures and have failed to find the net in any of those matches.
Despite lifting the Scottish Cup in May, Jimmy Thelin’s side have managed only four league wins in 2025. The lacklustre performance at Tannadice was met with boos from travelling supporters, marking the latest low point for the Dons.
🔴 The travelling Aberdeen fans let their frustration be known at full time after their 2-0 defeat at Dundee Utd leaves them bottom and winless in the Premiership without scoring a goal ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/VcKkXUDHOs
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) September 23, 2025
Thelin: “This Was Rock Bottom”
Manager Jimmy Thelin delivered an honest post-match assessment, remarking, “this was rock bottom.” The Swede added: “We can’t go deeper than we are right now. We need to step up and not have this tension when we play. We’re all too tense. We have to be more mature at the moments when the goals are scored and play the game another way.”
Thelin oversaw a major squad overhaul in the summer, with the club investing heavily following their Hampden success. However, the manager has yet to settle on a consistent midfield combination, leading to frequent changes in personnel.
Squad Changes Yield Limited Success
Recent signings are still yet to make a significant impact. Kevin Nisbet, who impressed during his previous loan spell, has struggled to replicate that form, whilst Bologna loanee Jesper Karlsson has been industrious in his limited appearances without producing end product – both have featured three times to date.
Stuart Armstrong, who joined on deadline day, is not yet at his best physically. However, the 53-cap Scotland international showed improvement during the match at Tannadice and struck the crossbar in one of Aberdeen’s better moments. Thelin highlighted Armstrong’s composure and called for the rest of the squad to follow his example in their forthcoming fixture away to Motherwell in the League Cup on Saturday at 17:45 BST.
“As individuals, I know the players can do better but we have to be more focused and trust our quality,” Thelin said. “Stuart did really well, he has experience, there is a lot of expectation but he plays very composed and that’s what we need to spread through the whole team. We need to find answers quickly. It is a big club with a big history and we have the chance to turn it around on Saturday.”
| Aberdeen: Key 2025 Scottish Premiership Stats (First 5 Matches) | Value |
|---|---|
| Points Earned | 1 |
| Goals Scored | 0 |
| League Wins | 0 |
| Goal Difference | -7 |
Fan Reaction: Patience Runs Thin
Dissatisfaction within the Aberdeen fanbase was clear at Tannadice, with supporters voicing concerns and leaving before the final whistle. Aberdeen great Willie Miller commented on Sportsound, “The fans are not applauding the players back, all they’re getting is abuse… The next stage is usually a few banners and a wee demonstration outside.”
Supporters’ comments reflect a range of views, including dissatisfaction with tactical choices, frustration at player performances, and calls for managerial change. Some believe Thelin deserves more time, while others feel immediate action is required. Specific criticisms have included the persistent use of a 4-2-3-1 formation, the quality of summer recruits, and a perceived lack of passion within the squad.
What Next For The Dons?
With Aberdeen now preparing to visit Motherwell this Saturday, pressure continues to mount on Thelin and his team. Both manager and players face a crucial test as they aim to halt a worrying run and restore belief among the fanbase.
