Rangers’ Premiership start rattled by error‑laden draw

Rangers’ Premiership hopes were thrown into doubt on Thursday night after manager Derek McInnes admitted his side’s error‑laden display cost them a victory away at Dundee United in the opening Premiership fixture, the draw left the title challenge off to a whimpering start, with the visitors failing to create clear chances.

The visitors struggled to create clear chances and failed to secure the three points. Rangers’ lack of cutting edge left them unable to break down United’s defence.

Rangers entered the match seeking their first opening‑day win since 2022. They fell behind just before half‑time when Lachlan Rose found the net for Dundee United.

Derek McInnes said the team was wasted in the first half and had to defend more than necessary, describing the display as basic and bitty. He added that the side had not shown the intensity required.

McInnes under pressure as Rangers stumble in opening Tannadice clash

In the second period Rangers were marginally better and earned an equaliser through Thelo Aasgaard. Aasgaard’s strike was the only moment of real quality for the visitors.

United created a late chance when Jesse Randall chipped the ball to Ivor Pandur. The effort was comfortably saved, leaving the match level.

McInnes expressed disappointment with the goal and the overall performance, blaming little basic mistakes and a lack of desire after the equaliser. He said the team did not keep the shoulder to the wheel.

He praised Aasgaard’s confidence after the World Cup but warned that the squad still needs reinforcement. McInnes noted that eight new signings have arrived and more must land quickly.

United manager Jim Goodwin accepted the point, saying the side was not getting carried away and that securing a point was important. The report was filed by John McGarry, Scottish Chief Sports Feature Writer, and published at 23:31 BST on 31 July 2026.