Rangers drew 1-1 with Dundee United in their Scottish Premiership opener on July 31, 2026, as new manager Derek McInnes faced his first competitive test. Lachlan Rose opened the scoring for United, while Thelo Aasgaard equalized for Rangers, marking McInnes’ first point in charge.
The match at Tannadice Park highlighted the challenges facing Rangers under McInnes, who took charge after being pipped to the Premiership title by Celtic last season. The draw extended Rangers’ streak of failing to win their opening day for four consecutive seasons, a hoodoo McInnes acknowledged in post-match comments.
A Stuttering Start for McInnes’ Era
McInnes’ debut as Rangers manager began with a defensive lapse that allowed Dundee United to take the lead. Lachlan Rose capitalized on a misplaced pass from Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez, slotting home in the 38th minute. The goal came after United’s Jesse Randall and Zac Sapsford created chances, with Sapsford’s cross leaving Rose unmarked.
Rangers’ first-half performance drew criticism from Sky Sports’ Kris Boyd, who stated, Rangers didn’t deserve to win.
Boyd noted the frustration among fans, who shifted from optimism to silence after United’s goal, adding, They want to back something, they want to get behind something.
I'm sure there will be better performances ahead.
Aasgaard’s Stunner Halts the Slide
Rangers’ response in the second half was fueled by Thelo Aasgaard, whose 56th-minute goal salvaged a point.
McInnes acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, saying, We didn’t do enough to win the game. Disappointed with a lot of the first half.
He cited too many spaces
in Rangers’ defense, adding, Expected us to show a wee bit more composure.
Despite the draw, McInnes emphasized his belief in the squad, stating, We’re not going to be perfect at this stage of the season. No player is.
United’s Missed Opportunity
Dundee United had a chance to win late in the game when Jesse Randall was put through on goal by Daniel Bennie. However, Randall’s shot was weak and straight at Rangers goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, who saved the effort. The miss proved costly, as Rangers’ resilience kept the game level.
No player is.
Historical Context and Season Implications
The draw continued Rangers’ pattern of opening-day struggles, with the club failing to win their first match for four consecutive seasons. However, Dundee United’s home form and recent signings under Goodwin added to the challenge.
McInnes faces pressure to improve Rangers’ start to the 2026-2027 season, following a mixed pre-season that included a 2-1 win over Saint-Etienne and a goalless draw with West Ham.
What Comes Next for Rangers?
With the opening day draw, Rangers will look to build momentum in their next fixtures. McInnes’ focus will shift to addressing defensive vulnerabilities and improving composure under pressure.
For Dundee United, the point at Tannadice offers a glimpse of their potential under Goodwin, who has made 10 summer signings. However, the team will need to capitalize on similar opportunities in the coming weeks to challenge for higher positions in the league.
Worth a look
