League Cup: Dundee United knocked out by Motherwell

Dundee United were knocked out of the League Cup by Motherwell at Fir Park on Tuesday night.

Kevin van Veen scored the only goal of the game in the first half to send the Steelmen into the quarter-finals.

The Tangerines had the better of the chances in the first half, but van Veen's goal against the run of play gave Motherwell the lead.

United pushed for an equaliser in the second half, but they were unable to find a way past Motherwell's defence.

The defeat means that United's hopes of winning the League Cup for the first time since 1981 are over.

Motherwell will now face either Rangers or Aberdeen in the quarter-finals.

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"We're disappointed to be out of the League Cup," said United manager Liam Fox.

"We had the better of the chances in the first half, but we couldn't take them.

"Motherwell defended well in the second half and made it difficult for us to create chances."

"We're still in the Scottish Cup and the Premiership, so we need to focus on those competitions now."

"We're disappointed to be out of the League Cup," said Motherwell manager Steven Hammell.

"But we're delighted to have reached the quarter-finals.

"We defended well tonight and took our chance when it came.

"We're looking forward to the quarter-finals now."