The 1990–91 season was the 82nd year of football played by Dundee United, and covers the period from 1 July 1990 to 30 June 1991.

United finished in fourth place and missed out on European football for the first time in fifteen years.

Dundee United played a total of 50 competitive matches during the 1990–91 season.

United were leading Dunfermline 2–1 on 6 October when the match was abandoned due to heavy rain.

The top goalscorer was Darren Jackson, who finished the season with 18 goals.