A late goal from Tony Watt gave Dundee United all three points in a tight match at the Caledonian Stadium.
Caley Thistle had a late penalty shout turned down as Cameron Harper’s free-kick hit the arm of Liam Grimshaw in the box, but appeals were waved away.
It was a busy Friday for Caley Thistle with Sean Welsh, Zak Delaney and Harry Hennem leaving the club while Lewis Hyde joined Brora Rangers on loan.
New signing James Carragher was in from the start as he replaced Wallace Duffy while Luis Longstaff came into the side for the departed Sean Welsh.
Caley Thistle started well and the first real chance came after 24 minutes, Carson and Mckay combined well but the striker’s effort from inside the box was blocked.
Caley Thistle were close to taking the lead after 25 minutes, Danny Devine met Cameron Harper’s corner in the box but his header was cleared off the line by Jordan Tillson.
In the second-half, Caley Thistle had another good chance through Max Anderson as he met David Carson’s cross into the box but his low effort was saved by Jack Walton.
Dundee United got their first real chance of the match as Tony Watt played in Archie Meekison but his effort was easily held by Mark Ridgers after 73 minutes.
Dundee United won it late on through their captain Tony Watt. The striker tapped in from close range from a Glenn Middleton cross into the box.
Caley Thistle pushed late on as substitute Cillian Sheridan saw a header go just past the post.
Caley Thistle had a huge appeal for a penalty late on as Cameron Harper whipped in free-kick appear to hit the arm of Liam Grimshaw but no penalty was given.