United handed competitive debuts in the Tangerine to Craig Sibbald, Steven Fletcher, Mark Birighitti as well as Glenn Middleton off the bench but Ash Taylor’s late equaliser saved a point for the home side at Rugby Park.
Dylan Levitt gave the visitors a half-time advantage, smashing the opener past Sam Walker two minutes from the break, but they couldn’t add to it before falling to ten men.
Ian Harkes was red-carded by Willie Collum for two bookable offences – the first a silly caution for knocking the ball away from the goalkeeper in the act of punting a clearance forward.
He’ll be suspended for the forthcoming domestic match but first on the Arabs’ agenda is AZ Alkmaar and the UEFA Europa Conference.
Here’s how the players shaped up for their European campaign as they opened their cinch Premiership account in Ayrshire.
5. Scott McMann - 6
Sometimes clumsy and late, given a hard time on the left of defence by Alebiosu and Shaw. Fortunate not to see punishment for stud-showing challenge on the latter in the first half. Photo: Ross MacDonald - SNS Group
6. Craig Sibbald - 8
Made United’s midfield tick and disrupted Killie's. Picked and placed team-mates and got forward frequently. Could be a key figure for Jack Ross on a free from Livingston. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
7. Dylan Levitt - 8
Terrific strike for the goal and looked to make things happen from deep with Fletcher and Harkes ahead of him. Complemented Sibbald beside him in a tidy and technically astute midfield pair. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group
8. Matthew Cudjoe - 7
Spritely but end product sometimes missing from the youngster with big potential. Brushed off ball by Mayo often, but got more change from Alebiosu on the opposite flank. Replaced in second half. Photo: Rob Casey - SNS Group