Lawrence Shankland's first three goals were all headers
Summer signing Lawrence Shankland scored four as title favourites Dundee United began their Scottish Championship campaign with a thumping win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Shankland, who netted 24 times for Ayr United in the second tier last term, scored twice in each half to take his tally for the season to six.
His first three goals were all headers and his fourth a sharp swivel and hit.
It was a difficult day for Inverness, who had levelled through Tom Walsh.
John Robertson's Highlanders, who have also been considered challengers for promotion, lost defender Brad McKay, who was taken to hospital in a neck brace after falling heavily.
Dundee United head coach Robbie Neilson: "I was delighted with the performance right from the start. I thought to a man they played very well.
"Shankland has been great since he came in. I think the other players have got to take credit for the as well because they brought him into the group and you can see he's getting the benefits."
Inverness CT manager John Robertson: "There were key parts of the game where we felt that had we defended properly first we'd have kept in it, but we missed good opportunities at the wrong time.
"And they had a man who they paid big money for and that's exactly why they've done it, that was a masterclass in finishing."
