GUS MacPHERSON today refused to enter a war of words with referee Stuart Dougal over the sending off of Franco Miranda.

The St Mirren boss reckons the second-half dismissal of the Argentine left-back ended any hopes his team had of salvaging a point against Dundee United at Tannadice.

For a minute later, United snatched their second goal to seal the points - and edge into third place in the SPL.

Miranda received two yellow cards for a late challenge on Noel Hunt in the 29th minute and then a foul on Barry Robson midway through the second half.

But MacPherson was keeping a tight rein on his feelings to avoid another brush with the SFA beaks.

He has already felt the wrath of the authorities for speaking out against disrespectful comments made to him by assistant referee James Bee following the Scottish Cup defeat to United in January, He said: "The sending off changed the game and when you go down to 10 men, especially when you lose one of your full-backs, then the whole shape of the team becomes disjointed.

"He has made a couple of tackles and I don't know whether they were severe, but Stuart will feel he is right so there is not a lot we can say.

"The last time I was here I said what I felt, but I got myself into trouble so there is no point."

MacPherson reckons his team were on the back foot the minute United made the breakthrough just before half-time.

He said: "The first goal always changes the game and there was nothing in it. But when we lost the goal, it gave United belief."

That opener came when Hunt pounced on a lucky break to round St Mirren goalkeeper Chris Smith and give the home the side the lead in the 38th minute.

Then, only a minute after Miranda's dismissal, Jordan Robertson flicked in a low cross from substitute Steven Robb at Smith's near post.

While Saints stuttering start to the season continues, United have won four of their six openers and lost only once.

And midfielder Robb credits new boss Craig Levein for the turnaround in the club's fortunes.

He said: "The manager is so tactically aware. We do a lot of homework on other teams and I think that pays dividends.

"Also, with the training we do, it is not just a case of going out on to the field and playing games. Everything is geared towards the game on Saturday and the team we are playing against."