Initially, the club's league form was average, remaining mostly mid-table for the next few years. McLean's first hint of the success he would later achieve was leading the club to its first Scottish Cup final in 1974, which they lost to Celtic. It proved an important psychological step in McLean's and the club's development. The success of the Cup run was built upon the following season with a finish of fourth place, the club's best finish in the Scottish league to date. As the Scottish leagues were restructured after this season, this position qualified United for the new Premier Division. They struggled in the first season of the new setup, and needed a draw at Ibrox on the final day to avoid relegation (Dundee were relegated instead).