So poor were the Tangerines that only a spate of signings from manager Craig Brewster, particularly in defence, would seem to give them any hope. The gulf between the teams was truly that great. While Falkirk were excellent, United were awful.
As expected, the game began with a burst of enthusiasm but little skill to match. However, there was much to whet the vociferous visiting fans' appetites as the Bairns proceeded to dominate.
It began with Pedro Moutinho having a goal disallowed in the tenth minute for offside. The Portuguese striker then went close again two minutes later only to be frustrated by a superb block from Derek Stillie. Alan Gow then saw the keeper pull off another great save low at his near post.
However, against the run of play, the Tangerines grabbed the lead with a wonder strike from Barry Robson. After seeing his first effort blocked, the United captain reacted first to curl a right-footed 15-yard shot past the diving Scott Higgins.
United's defence was visibly struggling and they were fortunate to retain the lead until the 23rd minute when man of the match Russell Latapy equalised. Following a reckless Alan Archibald foul on the edge of the box, the veteran Trinidadian struck a powerful shot past the static Stillie.
The second period continued in the same vein as the first with the hosts showing very little goal threat apart from Stuart Duff's 54th minute glancing header that brushed past the post.
It came as no surprise when Falkirk scored the winner in the 59th minute with a low strike from Liam Craig. Taking advantage of more shambolic defending, the midfielder easily brushed past Lee Mair and fired a low left-foot angled shot past the stranded Stillie.
When the final whistle sounded, the Tangerines faithful waved goodbye to any pre-season enthusiasm and jeered having seen their team taken apart. They know there is going to be a long season ahead.