Should United drop Kucherenko?

Jim Goodwin has several problems to deal with at faltering Dundee United – but solving the goalkeeping issue is arguably his most pressing.

Replacing the reliable Jack Walton during the summer was always going to be a big challenge and Yevhen Kucherenko has struggled to convince.

The 26-year-old Ukrainian is the last line of a United rearguard that has been leaking goals and has kept just two clean sheets in 12 league games.

Of course that isn't all down to the keeper, but he cut a crestfallen figure following an error-strewn display in the 3-0 home defeat to Falkirk last time out.

Having punched into his own net against the Bairns, Kucherenko has the ignominy of topping the Scottish Premiership own goal chart, with three.

He has also made two errors leading to goals - only Livingston's Jerome Prior has more in the Premiership - and has the second-most drops (four) as well as the second-lowest save percentage of top-flight keepers who have made at least five appearances this season.

While not quite Mark Birighitti levels of calamity yet, is it time for Kucherenko to be taken out of the firing line?

Dropping him sounds straightforward, but what impact would that have on the confidence of a player still finding his feet in Scotland?

Alternatively, if he keeps playing and gets through this bumpy period, it could be the making of him.

The only other senior goalkeeping option United have is 31-year-old Dave Richards. However, the Welshman hasn't played a lot of football over the last few seasons.

He has played once for United B this term – in a 6-0 Challenge Cup defeat to Inverness CT – and there were only four appearances last term.

The season before that Richards was on loan at St Johnstone where he failed to make a first-team appearance.

So, stick or twist – the manager must decide.

United fans, what would you do? Persevere with Kucherenko or give Richards a chance? Let us know here.