Aasgaard’s late equaliser gives McInnes a foothold at Rangers

Thelo Aasgaard’s 56th‑minute equaliser secured Rangers’ first point of the Scottish Premiership, giving new manager Derek McInnes a platform to build on after an opening‑day stalemate at Dundee United. The goal rescued a 1‑1 draw, averting defeat on the league’s opening day.

Lachlan Rose opened the scoring for Dundee United, delivering the first goal of the Scottish Premiership season with a left‑foot effort that spun off the post and into the net in the 38th minute. His strike gave the hosts a half‑time lead at Tannadice.

Rangers struggled for possession in the opening period but grew more threatening after the break. Thelo Aasgaard forced an excellent diving save before the Norway international levelled moments later, firing a left‑foot strike from 16 yards into the top corner.

Derek McInnes had named Youssef Chermiti on the bench and placed Ryan Naderi on the right of attack at kickoff. At half‑time he introduced Chermiti and Dan Neil for Naderi and Djeidi Gassama in an attempt to influence the game.

Debuts were made by goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, defender Ben Godfrey, midfielder Cammy Devlin and new Rangers captain Lawrence Shankland. Only two Scots featured in the starting line‑ups, with former Falkirk midfielder Dylan Tait wearing the armband for United and Shankland leading Rangers.

Jesse Randall could have secured the win for United with eight minutes left after substitute Daniel Bennie delivered a swerving pass that left the New Zealand international one‑on‑one with goal, but his shot went straight into Pandur’s hands. Earlier, United’s Jack Walton had saved a Naderi header that drifted slightly off target, while Rangers missed chances as Dujon Sterling and Mohamed Diomande were off target from outside the box. United’s Zac Sapsford and Rose also failed to convert after getting in behind.

The 1‑1 draw leaves Rangers with a point from their opening fixture, giving McInnes a platform to build on while United retain their early league lead. The outcome highlights the fine margins that still separate the clubs.