Dundee United 1-1 Rangers: Derek McInnes era gets off to underwhelming start despite Thelo Aasgaard stunner
Report as Rangers come from behind for a draw at Dundee United; Lawrence Shankland was denied an earlier opener for Rangers; Lachlan Rose gave Utd the lead before the break; Thelo Aasgaard thumped home the equaliser; Josh Randall wasted a big chance to win it for United
Saturday 1 August 2026 00:05, UK
Rangers got the Derek McInnes era off to a stuttering start as they were forced to come from behind to earn a draw at Dundee United in the opening game of the Scottish Premiership season.
"Just win" was the new manager's message ahead of the game, but he instead became the latest Rangers boss to drop points in his first league match.
Lawrence Shankland came close to a dream start, only for the new Ibrox captain to see his clever flick tipped over by Jack Walton.
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The United goalkeeper then palmed Ryan Naderi's header away before the hosts took the lead when Lachlan Rose tapped Jesse Randall's low cross into the net.
Rangers came out firing after the break and Thelo Aasgaard hammered in a brilliant equaliser minutes after Youssef Chermiti was denied twice.
Both teams had chances as the game became increasingly stretched, but it was United who passed up the most glaring opportunity to snatch a victory.
Randall was clean through on goal but sent the ball straight to Ivor Pandur instead of lobbing it over the Gers keeper.
Frustration for United, a let-off for Rangers as they have to settle for a draw in their opening match for the fourth straight season.
The key moments from Tannadice Park
4: SHANKLAND DENIED! The Rangers captain's clever flick is parried behind by Walton.
29: NADERI HEADER SAVED! He is at full stretch as he steers the ball goalward, but Walton tips it wide.
31: SHOT DEFLECTED WIDE! Agyei goes close from inside the area as his shot is deflected past the post.
35: STERLING GOES CLOSE! The Rangers right-back cuts inside and sends a low, left-footed shot not far wide.
38: GOAL UTD! Randall's low cross is left by Sapsford, allowing Rose to apply the finishing touch from close range.
49: BLOCK! Chermiti has two efforts for Rangers blocked.
51: SAVE! Aasgaard has blast from outside the area and Walton flies high to his left to tip it over.
56: GOAL RANGERS! Aasgaard cleverly shifts the ball onto his left foot inside the area and hammers a shot into the left corner.
84: HUGE MISS FOR RANDALL! He is clean through on goal but sends the ball straight into Pandur's arms.
'Rangers didn't deserve to win'
Sky Sports' Kris Boyd:
"Rangers didn't deserve to win. They were far better in the second half than they were in the first.
"It's a point away from home which, for the majority of teams, is a good result. But, for Rangers to go and try and challenge for things, you want to get off on the front foot.
"It's been the last four seasons in a row that Rangers have failed to win on the opening day. All of a sudden, it just starts to breed that negativity.
"The fans were in full voice until Dundee United scored, then all of a sudden there was a change.
"They want to back something, they want to get behind something. I'm sure there will be better performances ahead.
"Derek spoke about getting the three points. He hasn't been able to do that, but Rangers haven't lost the game either."
McInnes: 'We're not going to be perfect'
Rangers manager Derek McInnes speaking to Sky Sports:
"I thought we worked hard for our point, but we didn't do enough to win the game. Disappointed with a lot of the first half.
"Expected us to show a wee bit more composure. Their front three spooked us at times in making those runs, just continually making runs to try and penetrate, without knowing they were getting the ball just to take our back line back. There was too many spaces.
"On the back of that, we needed to play a bit better and make better decisions.
"I thought Thelo's goal was magnificent. He's such a great, technical, sweet striker of the ball. You're not surprised when he makes a connection like that.
"We played for about 15-20 minutes. That's not enough if you're going to win a game, particularly away from home.
"After scoring the equaliser, we missed the opportunity to really crank it up. Our desire to get the equaliser was clear. We had some good moments and the goal felt as though it was coming.
"But then after that, I don't think we quite did the same to go and get the winning goal. Plenty of effort.
"We're not going to be perfect at this stage of the season. No player is. That was our first competitive game. Clearly, we need to try and improve.
"We dug ourselves out of the hole, got a point. Disappointed we've not picked up all three, but we didn't. We've got to be honest, we didn't do enough."
Goodwin: 'Excellent performance'
"I think it's always important to get a point on the board as early as possible.
"The longer it goes on when you don't, then it becomes an issue, but I thought the overall performance tonight was excellent.
"First 45 minutes, I thought we were the better team. Really aggressive in our press, didn't allow the Rangers players any free time on the ball, competed really well, very aggressive all over the pitch really, and played some really good football in that period.
"I expected a reaction from Rangers in the second half, and we certainly got that for the opening, maybe 10 or 15 minutes, and we needed to just try and settle things down
On Jesse Randall's late miss, Goodwin added: "I'll probably not tell you what I said to him down the stairs! Obviously really disappointed, but I hate to be too critical of him, because I thought his overall performance was excellent.
"I thought he was a real threat all night, and of course, if he gets an opportunity like that again in the future, I'm pretty sure his decision-making will be different to what it was."
