Fans eagerly anticipate what the newly formed Dundee United squad will reveal in the upcoming weeks.

Manager Jim Goodwin recently signed Romanian left-back Kevin Ciubotaru, marking his 11th addition during this summer transfer window.

Even though much of United’s transfer activity occurred earlier, the significant number of changes in the team suggests it may take time to establish cohesion.

Nonetheless, the squad kicked off their Premiership season positively, drawing 1-1 against Rangers at Tannadice, a match they could have potentially won.

However, the team’s morale took a significant hit after suffering a 4-0 defeat to Hearts over the weekend.

While it is early in the season, the momentum is crucial. Goodwin hopes the narrative can still point towards improvement despite the setback in the capital.

The old football adage claims players’ true characters come to light during tough times, adding intrigue to how the team reacts after the heavy loss to Hearts.

As they brace for a demanding series of matches, the squad will need to display plenty of character. Their next challenge involves a home match against Celtic in the League Cup, followed by a Premiership derby against Dundee at Tannadice. They will then face back-to-back away games against Kilmarnock and Motherwell.

If Dundee United can emerge from this tough stretch without significant setbacks, they will continue building a positive storyline. However, if struggles persist, fans hoping for an improvement on last season’s seventh-placed finish may begin to voice their frustrations.

What will we learn a lot about this newly assembled Dundee United squad over the next few weeks?

We should certainly get a flavour of the character it possesses.

Romanian left-back Kevin Ciubotaru last week became manager Jim Goodwin’s 11th summer signing.

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While a lot of United’s transfer business was done earlier in the window, given the size of the player overhaul it is still fair to assume it could take this new-look squad time to gel.

That said, they made an encouraging start to the Premiership campaign, drawing 1-1 with Rangers at Tannadice in a game they could have won.

However, the optimism that followed suffered an almighty jolt as they crashed to a 4-0 defeat at Hearts at the weekend.

While nothing is won in the first few months of the season, a narrative can be set. Goodwin will be hoping it can still be a positive one, despite what happened in the capital.

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It is the old football cliche that you learn more about your players amid adversity, so how they respond to that Hearts humbling will be intriguing.

Going back to that word – character – it will be needed in abundance going into a really tough-looking quartet of fixtures.

First up is a home date with Celtic in the League Cup, which is then followed by a Tannadice Premiership derby with Dundee. After that it is back-to-back league away days at Kilmarnock and Motherwell.

If they can get through those games relatively unscathed, then that positive narrative will continue to be built.

If they struggle, the United fans – who are hoping for an improvement on last season’s seventh-placed finish – will undoubtedly start to let their frustrations be known.