The 2017-18 campaign was a season of soaring ambition but ultimate heartbreak for Dundee United as The Terrors secured a 3rd-place finish in the Scottish Championship. Leading the charge with vital goals was the experienced Australian striker Scott McDonald, whose 15 league goals proved decisive in a turbulent season that saw the club make a mid-season managerial change from Ray McKinnon to Csaba László. Despite securing a Premiership play-off spot, the dream of returning to the top flight was crushed in the semi-final against Livingston, marking a frustrating year in the club's difficult path back to the Scottish Premiership.