Aberdeen weathered a Dundee United fightback to win a storming game 5-3 at Tannadice.

Former Dundee United star Robbie Winters had put his old side to the sword with two goals for Aberdeen and Darren Young added a third to put the Dons firmly in the driving seat at half-time. - but it all changed.

In the first minute Winters demonstrated just how much this occasion means to him when tested United goalkeeper Alan Combe with an arrowed cross.

The Tangerines' first foray saw Dons defender Derek Whyte appear to push Mvondo Atangana in the box, but referee David McDonald waved aside appeals, as he did seconds later when Wright bundled into Young at the other end.

It did not take the Dons long to compensate. In the ninth minute, slack marking from United ensured Cato Guntveit could find space within the area to lay a neat ball off to Winters.

The striker subsequently curled in an effortless shot, taking a slight deflection to out-foxing Combe.

Even in the frantic opening minutes Aberdeen had that extra zest and edge to their game which United failed to cope with.

It was unsurprising that Winters' crowned his astonishing start with a decisive and well-crafted second goal.

Chris Clark's pacy run took him down the United right and he clearly had plenty of time to pick out his options. He found Winters unmarked to power home a six-yard header.

The Dons were must have been surprised when Combe handed them a 29th minute third.

Combe spilled a cross-shot, Winters passed to Derek Young, and the young striker found an empty net inside the box, unattended yet again by any markers.

Alex Smith's response was to withdraw the ineffectual Joachim Fernandez for Craig Easton, but it was indicative of the Tangerines' ill fortune that Easton was swiftly yellow-carded for a lunge on Darren Young.

The competitiveness resulted in another caution in 36 minutes, Philip McGuire clashing into Atangana, who hitherto had been well-policed by Aberdeen's rearguard.

United, obviously in need of sanctuary, could realistically only point to an Atangana shot, which sailed high and wide on the stroke of half-time, as their only attack of note.

Winter almost contrived his hat-trick when fastening onto Combe's spill, after excellent work down the right by Derek Young, but, for once, the ball was scrambled clear.

The lack of leadership and organisation among the United team was all too obvious for even the most committed home fan.

But with the Pittodrie side flying, Darren Young found himself sent off in the 56th minute.

The youngster's fate was sealed when he lunged at Jamie Buchan in the congested midfield.

One glimmer for United came in the shape of sprightly substitute, Stephen McConalogue, who finally showed his colleagues the way to test Ryan Esson with a well-struck shot.

After 65 minutes, United's luck finally turned with a penalty after Aberdeen's Clark bundled into John McQuillan. Easton took the responsibility and pulled a goal back.

United just could not inch themselves into the danger zone, as Aberdeen's young side marshalled themselves in superb fashion.

The course changed when Darren Young was dismissed in the 56th minute after a reckless - and seemingly needless - lunge on Jamie Buchan, which consequently saw Buchan depart on a stretcher with a badly gashed leg.

Stephen McConalogue made a tangible mark when he appeared for the ineffectual Hugh Davidson and showed his promise with a powerful drive to test Ryan Esson for the first time on the hour mark.

The final third was a crescendo of activity, which the Dons fans, in good numbers, lapped up.

Chris Clark conceded a needless penalty with a challenge on John McQuillan, which substitute Craig Easton duly converted, but Aberdeen still had enough time to inflict more damage.

Darren Mackie redeemed himself after an earlier casualness when, following a fabulous run through Dundee United's heart, he was upended by Combe. Winters struck the spot kick high into the net.

Skovdahl, becoming anxious as Dons began to defend a little too deep, saw United raise themselves when McConalogue headed home from Frenchman Stephane Leoni's cross.

When David Hannah drilled home a low 25-yard shot with minutes remaining, beyond the unsighted Esson, it was becoming truly bizarre for Dons.

Only when Eoin Jess underlined his class, cementing matters with a spectacular free kick from 20-yards in injury time could both sets of fans - not to mention to the respective managers - let out their breath.