Mark Reynolds reckons Robbie Neilson stands to lead a revolution on Tayside up there with what Derek McInnes has at Aberdeen.
The Tannadice captain was playing for the Dons when McInnes arrived in 2013 and has the same sense of excitement now as he did then.
Reynolds believes United are building something special on the back of a return to the top flight after four years away.
And with owner Mark Ogren working away upstairs while Neilson is in the dugout, he’s looking to emulate the success Aberdeen have seen.
The 33-year-old said: “The fans have bought into what the manager has wanted to do and things have been really positive. From meeting them, they are looking forward now rather than looking back.
“The manager put those building blocks there for success and it’s a bit similar to Aberdeen when Derek came in.
“Craig Brown had steadied the ship after some not great years and made very good signings, guys like Niall McGinn and Jonny Hayes.
“Then Derek came in and moved it on. I can’t see why Dundee United can't do something similar and be successful. We have the right people in charge of the club – the owner has backed the manager and he’s very keen to bring success to Tannadice.
“Any time I have spoken to him I get a good vibe. He is always interested in you, he asks about your family and is genuinely interested in the people working at the club.
“That suggests to me he’s not just here to make a quick buck or to be in the middle of something. I always get the feeling he wants to be part of this for the long term – he wants to make the club the best it can be.”
While a fan of the Dons’ template the defender joked his house may be divided on matchday.
He added: “I am looking forward to going back to Pittodrie. It was home for me for eight years and my kids were born there. My son is still trying to work out what end he’s going to go in when we go up there!”
