In a game of two halves both sides shared the spoils in a match in which both could have easily scored a hatful of goals.
Following their thrilling victory over Rangers in the CIS Cup, Hibs arrived at Tannadice full of confidence and they really should have taken the lead in the third minute when Garry O'Connor headed over from six yards.
United's early lethargy was again tested by Stephen Dobbie, but despite this, the home team could have had a penalty in the 20th minute when Mark Kerr's cross appeared to be handled by Colin Murdock but the referee was unsighted.
Derek Riordan continued to be a thorn in United's side. O'Connor easily outjumped Derek McInnes in the 25th minute knocking the ball on to the youngster who volleyed over from 25 yards.
It took the home side 34 minutes before they produced their first move worthy of note. Superb movement by Mark Wilson on the right latching on to an exquisite Charlie Miller pass ended with a low ball flying across goal crying out for a tap-in.
Just on the stroke of half-time United upped the pace. The visitors survived another penalty scare when Steven Whittaker appeared to push Miller, but again the official denied the hosts.
Then Daniel Andersson produced a fantastic save from Billy Dodds' far-post volley and finally as the referee blew, Jim McIntyre headed the resulting corner just over the bar.
That man Riordan, opened the second period with a rasping near-post shot which Paul Gallacher did well to hold, but United responded well firstly through McIntyre and then Barry Robson's 25 yard shot which was brilliantly held by the keeper.
As the Tangerines continued to dominate, just on the hour mark, referee Thompson for the third time denied United a penalty as they built up pressure hitting shots in on Andersson's goal.
And with only 15 minutes remaining Miller missed a glorious chance when he was straight through but could only hit the advancing keeper's legs.
Then Dodds, astonishingly, missed an identical chance moments later.
The Tangerines' pressure continued, but ultimately they could not find that elusive goal.