Dundee United enjoyed a strong 2021-22 campaign this year in the Scottish Premiership and Ian Harkes was at the forefront of the team’s success, helping him earn the highest award at the club.
Harkes was named Player of the Year on Sunday for the first time of his career, concluding an impressive campaign for the Tangerines. The former D.C. United homegrown missed the final eight matches of the league season through an ankle injury, but overall was a key contributor for majority of the season.
Harkes, 27, set career-highs in appearances (37) and goals (4), while also delivering three assists. He contributed winning goals against rivals Dundee F.C. and Aberdeen, while also finding the back of the net in a 1-1 draw with eventual league champions Celtic.
In total, Harkes has totaled 139 combined appearances for Dundee United between the top two-flights in Scotland, scoring nine goals and adding nine assists. He helped the Tangerines earn promotion in the 2019-20 season and since has helped them stay in the top-flight in each of the past two campaigns.
His current contract is set to expire this summer, but Dundee United is reportedly in talks to keep Harkes on the roster long-term.
Dundee United finished the Premiership campaign in fourth place, earning a spot in next season’s UEFA Europa League playoffs.
Another player left out in favor of mls. Nonsense
The only MLS player that arguably gets taken before/instead of Harkes is Roldan. I haven’t seen Harkes play, you think he’s better than Roldan?
Maybe Berhalter brings him in this summer for a look. But as a rule, I’d be wary of overrating players who succeed in the Scottish League, outside of Rangers and Celtic.
It’s Scotland…
Unless you play for Celtic, you’re on a team on par at best with most MLS teams.