McInnes’ Rangers Debut Ends in Draw
Rangers began their Scottish Premiership season with a 1-1 draw against Dundee United at Tannadice. The match marked the competitive debut for manager Derek McInnes, who took charge of Rangers in June. The new-look Rangers side, featuring several new signings, saw Thelo Aasgaard score an equaliser after Lachlan Rose had given the home side the lead.
McInnes moved to Ibrox after having come close to winning the Premiership title with Heart of Midlothian last season. He replaced Danny Rohl as manager. Alongside McInnes, Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland and Australia midfielder Cammy Devlin also made the switch to Rangers.
First Half Action and United’s Lead
The match started with Rangers showing some early promise. Lawrence Shankland, making his debut and captaining the side, had an early opportunity when his backheel was saved by United goalkeeper Jack Walton. However, Dundee United soon grew into the game, with their defence keeping busy as they worked the ball into the box.
Dundee United took the lead in the 38th minute with a well-worked team goal. Zac Sapsford stepped over Jesse Randall’s cross from the right, allowing Lachlan Rose to guide a left-footed finish into the bottom corner. The shot spun off the post and over the line, beating debutant Rangers goalkeeper Ivor Pandur. Rangers players Dujon Sterling and Mohamed Diomande had attempts from outside the box that were off target before United’s breakthrough.
McInnes’ initial team selection included Ivor Pandur in goal, with a back four of Dujon Sterling, Ben Godfrey, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Tuur Rommens. Cammy Devlin made his debut in midfield alongside Mohamed Diomande, while Thelo Aasgaard played in an advanced role. The attacking line-up was completed by Djeidi Gassama, Ryan Naderi, and Lawrence Shankland. On the bench for Rangers were Liam Kelly, Ross McCrorie, Olwethu Makhanya, Dan Neil, Vanja Dragojevic, Tochi Chukwuani, Findlay Curtis, Youssef Chermiti, and Bojan Miovski.
Rangers Equalise, Missed Chances for United
Rangers showed significant improvement after the half-time break. McInnes made changes, bringing on Dan Neil and Youssef Chermiti for Ryan Naderi and Djeidi Gassama. These substitutions immediately made Rangers look more threatening. Jack Walton, the United goalkeeper, was forced into a couple of sharp saves.
The equaliser came in the 56th minute from Thelo Aasgaard. After Shankland’s physical presence caused problems for the United defence, Aasgaard took an excellent first touch to create space, allowing him to unleash a powerful left-footed strike into the top corner from 16 yards, beyond Walton’s dive. Aasgaard had previously forced an excellent diving save from Walton moments before his goal.
Despite the equaliser, Rangers could not maintain their momentum. The game became stretched, with both teams creating chances. Dundee United, however, had the most significant opportunity to secure all three points. New Zealand winger Jesse Randall was played through on goal by a delightful pass from substitute Daniel Bennie. However, Randall inexplicably dinked his shot straight at Ivor Pandur, missing a glorious late chance. Chermiti also had an effort saved by Walton’s feet, and United substitute Idjessi Metsoko delivered a weak shot straight at Pandur from a decent position. Ultimately, both teams settled for a point in the season opener.
Source: bbc.com