While United's origins stem from Irish immigration, the rivalry is not sectarian in the manner of the Old Firm.

Dundee had long been the more successful club, playing more seasons in the top flight than their rivals and winning one League title, one Scottish Cup and three League Cups before United lifted a major trophy.

United would go on to be a major force in Scottish football in the 1980s, winning their first three major honours at Dens Park including a League Cup win against Dundee in 1980; the 1983 league title was also won there.

Both clubs have won the Scottish league championship once, Dundee in 1962 and United in 1983.

Dundee United have competed in 88 tournaments, reaching 10 cup finals.

They were cup winners in 1994 and 2010 as well as runners up in 1974, 1981, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1991 (being unable to secure that trophy in six finals under otherwise successful boss Jim McLean), 2005 and 2014.

Dundee United meanwhile have won it twice, in 1979–80 and 1980–81, and were runners-up in 1981–82, 1984–85, 1997–98, 2007–08, and 2014–15 (losing to either Rangers or Celtic on every occasion).