Smith was sacked on Monday by new owner Eddie Thompson after more than two years in charge at Tannadice.

Thompson praised Smith for the dignity with which he accepted the decision but insisted that the club needed a new impetus in the dressing-room.

Smith believes that whoever succeeds him will benefit from his groundwork.

"When we took over, this club was a mess," he insisted.

Thompson acted after defeat on Saturday to Hibernian left United second bottom of the table after one win in 10 Scottish Premier League games.

But Smith insisted: "I know I would have turned this round. "The reason I know is the talent here, the young players.

"We have two who have broken through into the international set-up, a couple in the Under-21s, two in the Under-20s and two in the Under-19s."

Many believe Smith was unlucky to be sacked the year after leading St Mirren to Scottish Cup victory.

Some at Aberdeen regret his sacking despite lifting the Scottish Cup, the League Cup and twice finishing runners-up in the SPL.

Thompson will hope that United do not suffer a similar subsequent decline in their fortunes.

"It is a massive decision for the man and he is going to have to be proved right over the long-term," said Smith.

"A football club is a very vulnerable place. When there is a change in power, normally there is a change in direction.

"Football is my life, but you have just got to accept it."

Smith praised the players for their effort and the fans for their loyal support.

"I cannot remember once getting any stick from the supporters, even in the darkest days, and that is quite unique," he said.

"We hit the bar twice on Saturday and, had those two gone in, we could have won the game.

"But football is like that. It can change because of one bad bounce or one bad decision."