Lachlan Rose put Dundee United ahead before the break. Thelo Aasgaard dragged Rangers level on 56 minutes. That was the sum of it at Tannadice, where the Scottish Premiership opener finished 1-1 and Derek McInnes began his Rangers tenure without a win.
McInnes came within minutes of winning the title with Heart of Midlothian last season. He moved along the M8 to replace Danny Rohl at Ibrox in June, and Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland and Australia midfielder Cammy Devlin made the same switch.
The new side flattered to deceive early on. Shankland’s backheel was well saved by United goalkeeper Jack Walton in a lively opening, but the hosts then took over. Their goal was a tidy one. Zac Sapsford stepped over Jesse Randall’s cross from the right, and Rose nudged a left-footed finish into the bottom corner past Ivor Pandur, who was making his Rangers debut in goal.
McInnes changed things at the break, sending on Dan Neil and Youssef Chermiti. Rangers improved. Walton made a couple of sharp saves before Aasgaard, the Norway midfielder, took a first touch that opened up room and lashed a left-footed shot past the diving keeper.
The match then stretched out, with chances at both ends. United had the best one. Daniel Bennie slipped a pass through to Randall, the New Zealand winger, who was clear on goal and dinked his shot straight at Pandur.
Sources
- Dundee United vs Rangers: Scottish Premiership radio commentary, live text & match report
- Dundee United vs Rangers: Scottish Premiership radio commentary, live text & match report
