The largest information pre-match at Tynecastle was the absence of midfielder Beni Baningime, who had began eight league video games in a row, and who is about to be out for as much as six weeks.
Come full-time the McInnes felt his group missed Baningime's “calmness” in the midst of the pitch as they frantically pursued a winner.
Solely Motherwell had beforehand left Tynecastle with some extent this season as a result of depth of Coronary heart's play.
Their capability to get the ball ahead with pace and make sides defend their field has been an indicator.
They managed 81 closing third entries in opposition to United and despatched in 21 crosses, however it was not accompanied with the same old composure and high quality as they managed simply two photographs on track.
“The sport lacked our standard management,” McInnes advised BBC Scotland.
“We obtained a bit extra management within the second half however Dundee United nonetheless carried a risk.
“We simply lacked a wee little bit of high quality and we would have liked to remain calm. We have been a wee bit excitable at instances. We performed last-five-minute soccer for almost all of the second half.
“We simply wanted a wee bit extra belief in what we do.”
Baningime is Hearts' most correct passer this season and of gamers who've featured commonly has additionally gained the very best proportion of his duels.
His capability to choose passes within the warmth of the battle and cease counter assaults, which United had plenty of pleasure with, was sorely missed.
His companion in crime Cammy Devlin was excellent once more and was Hearts' most influential participant, however Tomas Magnusson was much less efficient as Baningime's alternative.
The Icelander's passing accuracy was down at 77% and he gained 4 of his 10 duels in a frantic and bodily sport.
Report-signing Ageu was at the very least match sufficient to return on within the second half.
McInnes had picked the identical facet for six consecutive video games till final week's win over Dundee, and his roation went off with out a hitch in opposition to a passive facet.
However with Baningime now out for at the very least the following month and Craig Halkett additionally suspended for the following sport in opposition to Aberdeen it appears like Hearts' squad depth might be absolutely examined in a busy winter.
