Dundee United hasn’t had plenty of success winning during the Scottish Premiership season, but Jim Goodwin’s squad will need to do so to have any chance of avoiding an automatic drop to the second-tier.

The Tangerines fell 3-0 at Tannadice Park to Kilmarnock on Wednesday, suffering a fourth-straight loss in the Premiership Relegation Group. American midfielder Ian Harkes played 45 minutes in the home defeat, one that leaves Dundee United needing a victory in its final match to have a chance at the relegation playoffs.

Kyle Vassell scored twice in the first half for Kilmarnock before Innes Cameron added a third goal for good measure in the final 10 minutes.

Harkes has made 30 combined league appearances for Dundee United this season, continuing to play a starting role under Goodwin. The 28-year-old’s contract is set to expire this June, and Dundee United’s relegation could force Harkes to look elsewhere for top-flight football.

Dundee United visits Motherwell on Sunday needing three points paired with a Ross County defeat to have a chance at the two-legged playoffs.

Either Partick Thistle or Ayr United will oppose the last place team in the Premiership table. Patrick Thistle leads 3-0 on aggregate heading into Friday’s second leg at Somerset Park.