Substitute Tom McManus needed just one minute on the park to give Hibs the win that keeps them chasing Celtic at the top of the table.

Rock-bottom Dundee United looked like picking up only their third point of the season and were unlucky not to take the lead early in the game.

But as the game entered the last ten minutes goalless, Hibs manager Alex McLeish swapped French striker David Zitelli for youngster McManus who promptly made an impact by knocking home his third goal of the season.

That leaves United still searching for their first win of the season while the Edinburgh club's run continues.

There could hardly have been more difference between these sides before the game kicked off.

Dundee United were still searching for their first win of the season, while Hibs enjoyed the dizzy heights of life in second place in the league.

Yet, it was United who had the best of the opening chances.

Just one minute into the game, Craig Easton broke through the Hibs defence, crossing to Steven Thompson.

Thompson found Mvondo Atangana just inside the 18-yard-box but the Cameroon player's shot fell wide.

Three minutes later, Thomson found himself clear on goal, with only goalkeeper Nick Colgan to beat but the Irishman dived low to block, requiring treatment for his efforts.

It was 14 minutes before Hibs had a clear chance on goal, when Zitelli had a go from 18 yards but his shot flew over.

That seemed to spur Hibs into action and five minutes later Stuart Lovell came close.

His shot was blocked by John McQuillan but Lovell pounced on the rebound only for goalkeeper Alan Combe to save the shot.

Hibs - still on a high from their rampant victory over city rivals Hearts last week - were starting to come into the game more and threatening the United goal.

Zitelli looked to be on good form and his long, low drive from all of 30 yards called Combe into action again ten minutes later.

But right on the half hour mark Dundee United almost took the lead.

A McQuillan cross found Hasney Aljofree and his header looked net-bound until the ball deflected off Lovell.

Leading up to the break, Hibs were looking the more likely team to take the lead and Dundee United debutant, Jim lauchlan found his name in the referee's book for a foul on Matthias Jack.

Seconds later, Jack found himself in possession just outside the six-yard box but, before he could pull the trigger, a trio of Dundee United defenders descended on him.

Franck Sauzee had the chance to put the Edinburgh side in the lead just three minutes before the interval with a free kick from 25 yards but the shot just skimmed over the crossbar.

It was Dundee United who had the first chance of the second half when jamie Buchan's shot was deflected but only as far as Easton.

The United player rifled a shot from 20 yards but the effort was off-target.

Three minutes later Aljofree decided to have a go from long-range as well but he was also off target and sent the ball over the crossbar.

But just before the hour, Russell Latapy set up Mixu Paatelainen in front of goal.

The Finn's shot was blocked by the goalkeeper but he spilled the ball and was saved only by Jason de Vos who cleared the danger before Paatelainen could pounce on the rebound.

A challenge by Thompson saw John O'Neil stretchered off in 66 minutes but the former St Johnstone man quickly returned to play.

With just 14 minutes to go, Hibs should have taken the lead when a superb Zitelli shot was saved by the keeper.

The ball fell to Dirk Lehmann right in front of goal but the German wasted a glorious opportunity when he sent the shot wide.

The breakthrough eventually came and from an unexpected source.

McManus replaced Zitelli and was only on the park for one minute when he gave Hibs the lead.

The youngster met a Latapy pass to knock home his third of the season in 82 minutes.