Gold Coast fell behind to Robbie Kruse's 20th minute goal and couldn't find a way to unlock their visitors' defence.

United battled hard for a way back into the match, but Melbourne's experience told as they shut up shop at the back and closed out the ninety minutes.

"We struggled up front today and although people will say we missed Shane Smeltz today, I think we actually missed Joel Porter more," said Bleiberg after the game.

"Sometimes miracles happen when you play your young players but today it wasn't to be for us.

"We knew we were a bit underdone in attack, especially as we were facing such an experienced Melbourne team, but fair play to them (Victory).

"They scored their goal, killed the game and we didn't have the firepower to break them down.

 "We had our chances in the first half but struggled to create much in the second. We missed a target-man to hold the ball for us and bring other people into the play.

"Melbourne decided to defend what they had and all credit to them because they did it well. They are an experienced team and it showed today."

The defeat was witnessed by just 3,624 supporters.

Melbourne boss Ernie Merrick was delighted to pick up the points.

"We ground it out which was important. It was a clean sheet," he told AAP.