Hearts went down to a 2-0 defeat in their first game of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, after a Danny Cadamarteri brace handed Dundee United the points at Tannadice.

Dundee United were 1-0 up inside three minutes after Eggert Jonsson was judged to have fouled Danny Swanson in the box. Cadamarteri stepped up and shot the ball past Kello despite the Slovakian getting a touch on the ball.

Hearts had opportunities to level the scoring through both Obua and Witteveen but neither could find a way past Nicky Weaver in the United goal. Suso also had a lively match and created chances for the two strikers.

Csaba Laszlo's side returned after the break and looked focused on the task ahead but that was cut short when Michael Stewart saw red after his second yellow card of the match. Hearts were then forced to change tactics which dampened the chances of an equaliser.

Dundee United sealed their victory when Morgaro Gomis released Cadamarteri on the break and the Dundee United striker slotted the ball under the on rushing Kello who had no other choice but to come for the ball.

So Hearts slip to defeat in the season opener, but hope for a European pick me up on Thursday in Zagreb.

Dundee United: Waver; Webster Dods, S Robertson, Cadamarteri (Shala 89), Swanson (Conway 72), Bauben, Gomis, Kovacevic (Dillon 79), Dixon, Goodwillie. Subs not used:  Banks, Myrie-Williams, D Robertson, Kenneth.