Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes, was understandably delighted with the win and his team’s performance.

In his post-match media conference he said “It was a terrific team performance from start to finish.

“We started very strongly and we imposed ourselves on the game and knocked United out of their stride a bit. We managed to stop some of their good players from playing. We knew we had a job to do but, at the same time, we also had some really good passages of play.

“In that first half we put over as many crosses as we have had during a 45 minute period. Niall has hit the bar, he has hit the post and we have scored two goals. It was a very strong performance from us.

“We said at half-time that it didn’t have to be exciting in the second half as long as we did our jobs and carried on in the same manner which we did. Although we were not as dominant 2-0 was enough for us. Pawlett, Goodwillie and Rooney did all have chances to get a third goal but I am more than happy. I would have taken that scoreline before the game.

“We were very disciplined and as a team we restricted them to very little. The organisation between the front players and the midfielders and the midfielders and defenders was very good and that pleased me.

“It’s not often United don’t score and my players deserve credit for that.

The Aberdeen manager added of match-winner Rooney: “Adam is doing well for us. He was instinctive for his first goal and his second was well-taken too. He could have had a third in the second half. He is doing what we expect of him. Hopefully he can continue to score goals like this.

“Hopefully we will get some of the injured boys back over the festive period but maybe the consistency of selection is helping us as well.”

REDTV | Derek McInnes reaction in full | please click here

Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara said: “My disappointment is losing our home record.

“We’d been unbeaten so far but we have a tough test at home to Celtic next week and we’ll need to defend set-pieces better.

“We’re disappointed with a lot of things to be honest. The two goals made it hard for us. The first one was a free header that Rado spilled straight into Rooney’s path.

“We had a chance to go 1-1 with Erskine but the keeper did well with that.

“The second goal makes things a lot harder for us. In the second half, there wasn’t much in it other than one from Ryan Dow in the box. Aberdeen were better than us on the day. I wouldn’t say we were outplayed, but goals change games and that got their tails and confidence up.

“A good few of our players were not on their game and we paid the price for that. That was frustrating from our point of view.

“Aberdeen are a good side when they are in front as they showed here.”

“Aberdeen are a good side when they are in front as they showed here.”