Captain Ross Docherty and midfielder David Babunski released by Dundee United

Dundee United have released club captain Ross Docherty and fellow midfielder David Babunski.

The pair join Declan Gallagher and Louis Moult in being told their time is up at Tannadice after the former Motherwell pair’s summer exits were confirmed earlier in the month.

Docherty led United to the William Hill Championship title and then a fourth-placed Premiership finish but manager Jim Goodwin had admitted the former Partick Thistle player’s future was in doubt because of his injury record.

The 32-year-old started the last eight games of the season – taking his total this term to 15 – and helped United clinch a top-six place and then a European berth, but it was not enough to earn himself a new deal.

A club statement read: “Named as captain after impressing manager Jim Goodwin with his leadership qualities in the early stages of his Tannadice career, Docherty has been a colossal figure in midfield when available for selection.

“Across his two-year stint in the City of Discovery, United have only lost nine league matches in which he has featured.”

Babunski began the crucial 2-1 win over Aberdeen on the final day of the season but it was only his second start in 2025.

The Macedonia international scored three goals in his first five appearances but could not maintain the same level of impact.

The statement added: “The club remains in contractual discussions with several players – a further update will be provided to supporters in due course.”

Goodwin recently spoke of his desire to retain the services of former Rangers, Hibernian and St Johnstone winger Glenn Middleton.

Loan spells have expired for goalkeeper Jack Walton, top goalscorer Sam Dalby, plus Luca Stephenson, Emmanuel Adegboyega, Allan Campbell, Lewis Fiorini and Ruari Paton.

United also confirmed the departure of Tony Watt, who spent the majority of his final season on loan with Motherwell.