McInnes under pressure as Rangers stumble in opening Tannadice clash

Dundee United and Rangers shared a 1‑1 draw at Tannadice on 31 July 2026, a match broadcast at 22:38 BST and updated at 22:49 BST. Derek McInnes, the Rangers manager, watched his side fail to secure a win despite a home crowd of enthusiastic supporters.

Rangers supporters flooded Tannadice feeling both enthused and anxious at the outset of the new campaign. For the past three years the starting pistol has caught their side off guard, leaving them stumbling out of the blocks.

Michael Beale lost his first game at Kilmarnock, while Philippe Clement and Russell Martin each drew with Hearts and Motherwell respectively, and storm clouds began to gather over the Ibrox men.

Although McInnes’ history with the club should afford him a little more patience, both the manager and the rank‑and‑file were miffed that old failings befell this new‑look side; Rangers did not control enough of the game, created few chances and were sloppy in front of goal.

United took the lead through Lachlan Rose’s goal shortly before the break. Jim Goodwin started six of his summer signings, including Rose, who had already scored three times in early group‑stage matches.

Rangers improved after the interval and levelled via Thelo Aasgaard. McInnes selected four of his eight new faces – Ivor Pandur, Ben Godfrey, Cammy Devlin and Lawrence Shankland – to start the game.

The final whistle left the visitors to leave the arena with heads bowed and the result far from the pre‑season aim. There is significant scope for improvement before the side travels to face Polish side Jagiellonia in a Europa League qualifier next week, and McInnes must now pick his players up ahead of Thursday’s trip to Poland.