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Mixu Paatelainen admits it will be 'a tall order' for Dundee United to avoid relegation

Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen
Image: Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen admits they are up against it now

Boss Mixu Paatelainen admits it will be 'a tall order' for Dundee United to avoid automatic demotion after their latest damaging defeat.

Relegation moved a step closer following a 2-0 home defeat by Inverness on Saturday with Kilmarnock's 3-0 win over St Johnstone compounding their misery.

United, who have won only six league games all season, are eight points behind second-bottom Killie with just five games remaining.

Paatelainen said: "I have said all along I believed Kilmarnock would win at some point. So good luck to Kilmarnock. They've done that and it's three points for them.

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"But, first and foremost, we let ourselves down by not doing our own jobs and that's our main concern.

"We can only look after ourselves and nobody else. We can't affect what happens elsewhere and that's why this defeat is so disappointing. It's a tall order to think we will win our last five league games.

"But we can only take one match at a time and see what happens. This was not acceptable and now we have to move on."

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Inverness CT manager John Hughes
Image: Inverness CT manager John Hughes dedicated the win to the fans

Meanwhile, Inverness manager John Hughes dedicated the victory to the Caley Thistle fans, who have had to endure a mixed bag this season.

Hughes said: "That one was for the supporters. We are disappointed not to get into the top six for them and they have been magnificent. They all give us their backing so I hope they enjoyed this win."

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