It was announced on 17 January 2013, that manager Peter Houston was to leave Dundee United at the end of his contract in May 2013. However, on 28 January it was announced Houston had left the club by mutual consent. He was replaced two days later by Jackie McNamara. McNamara's first game in charge of Dundee United was a Scottish Cup tie against Rangers. United won the game 3–0 and McNamara began to turn the club's fortunes around, securing a top six place over New Firm rivals Aberdeen in late, dramatic fashion. In his first full season, McNamara took United to fourth in the Premiership and the 2014 Scottish Cup Final, losing 2–0 to St Johnstone at Parkhead.