Mark Kerr hailed his Ayr side for answering the call to attack as Michael Moffat made the 100 club on a milestone day at Somerset Park.
Moff stole the headlines as he landed his long awaited century of goals for the Honest Men in the 2-0 win over Dundee.
His early strike, which added to Cammy Smith's third minute opener, ultimately put United out of sight against the Dark Blues.
And a delighted Kerr said: "I could go through everyone in the team and give them praise as I thought they were outstanding.
"We asked them to give us a bit more in forward areas today and we got the response.
"We sat down and looked at it and realised we have to start treating the season like we're in November.
"It's no use treating it like we're just four or five games in because things are a lot different this year."
Ayr showed far more urgency from the off as they took the game to Dundee and were rewarded with the early goals from Smith and Moffat.
Kerr added: "I'm delighted for Moff and it's a brilliant achievement for him.
"He's been sitting in the 90s for ages and lockdown hasn't helped.
"He always starts the season really, really well and he's taken on a different role here this season as an experienced player.
"Hopefully he can stay at the club for as long as he can - either on the park or off the park.
"It was a brilliant finish for his goal as well and I'm looking forward to seeing it again."
Ayr were straight on the attack and hit the front when clever play from Luke McCowan teed up Smith inside the box.
The on loan Dundee United winger showed great composure to roll beneath Dens debut keeper Adam Legzdins.
United soon doubled their lead with the milestone goal for Moffat.
Good work by Joe Chalmers helped set up the United veteran and he did the rest to slide home from 10 yards.
Ayr were flying and suddenly looked a threat every time they came forward with Smith soon forcing another save from Legzdins.
Dundee finally got a response just before the break with Osman Sow volleying wide before Paul McGowan was denied by a last ditch Jordan Houston block.
The visitors began the second half on the front foot and blew a golden chance to get back in the contest shortly after the restart.
But Christie Elliot sent a free header from just six yards straight at Viljami Sinisalo.
Dens boss James McPake then threw on Declan McDaid and Alex Jabulaik to try and turn the game and Ayr were soon camped in their own half.
Sinisalo denied Shaun Byrne with a good stop as they tried in vain to force their way back into the contest.
But it was Ayr who could have extended their lead as Andy Murdoch flashed a header just wide before McCowan had the ball in the net but was denied by the offside flag as the clock ran down.
Furious Dens boss McPake said: "I've told the players they are representing a big football club and it needs to get better quickly.
"I understand completely why fans are angry. I've played at this club and know the demands.
"I'm confident in my work and that I can get this group going.
"But confidence doesn't win you games and the players need to be brave enough to win games."
