Aberdeen boss Stephen Robinson refused to put the boot into his players despite watching them fail to turn a dominant performance over Dundee United into points.

The Dons – whose squad was struck down by a virus during the week – controlled large parts of a thrilling contest at Tannadice, but ultimately fell to a 3-2 defeat as they slipped to ninth in the Premiership table.

Zidane Iqbal put the hosts ahead early against the run of play, before Nesta Guinness-Walker levelled things up for Robinson’s men on 25 minutes.

Dylan Tait restored United’s advantage shortly after the restart, with Connor Ronan equalising once again in the second period, only for Zac Sapsford to pop up with a stunning header with 18 to play to seal the three points for the home side.

‘I'm proud of the effort they gave,' Robinson said. 'There’s boys on that pitch who shouldn’t be on it today. We were decimated at the back with three centre-halves missing as well.

‘Of course we were disappointed with the [first two] goals, really disappointed. A set-play, a deflection.

‘I thought we were in total control of the game when we scored at 2-2, but that's my fault because it was a bit cavalier. We maybe should have managed the game better, and ultimately I have to take the blame for that.

‘It was probably our best performance going forward, but then the balance has to be right at the other end. Obviously, there’s boys were in the last ten minutes absolutely struggling.

‘The boys gave absolutely everything to me there, so it's hard to come and criticise anyone.

‘I think I named the team three times from Thursday onwards and then we had to make another late change today.

‘The boys that didn't play literally couldn't get out of bed. But the ones that did showed a real desire and they got backed massively by the fans. So we're all really disappointed that we couldn't come away with a minimum of a draw.’

Goodwin hailed the character of match-winner Sapsford, who bounced back from the frustration of having a second-half goal ruled out for offside to step up and produce the game’s defining moment.

He said: ‘We all know Zac is very good in and around the penalty area.

‘He didn’t get a huge amount of service but when he did you can see what he does when he gets chances.

‘His movement is excellent, it’s a brilliant header to win it, and I have to give our analyst credit because he highlighted the space Aberdeen leave between their centre-backs.

‘To suffer the disappointment of getting the goal chalked off then still go on to score and win it showed great resilience.’