 The following month, McQuilken made his first start as United recorded their biggest win of the season, beating Dumbarton 8–0 at Tannadice.Used as both a left-back and left midfielder, McQuilken featured fourteen times that season, including both legs of the playoff win over Partick Thistle.The following season, McQuilken was deployed as a left-back for the first six matches before being confined mainly to the bench.