Jim Goodwin admitted Dundee United’s 2–2 draw with Rangers “felt like a defeat” after his side were denied all three points by Nedim Bajrami’s 98th-minute penalty - but the United manager also conceded that Rangers sustained pressure and chance creation made the late blow almost inevitable.
On a night where United defended heroically for long periods, Goodwin’s remarks underscored both the frustration and the begrudging acknowledgment that Rangers relentless attacking waves eventually broke them down.
Ex-Celtic player Goodwin could barely hide his disappointment.
“At this minute in time it feels a little bit like a defeat - to have put so much into it and to be done with that sucker punch at the end is a tough one to take,” he said despondently.
He praised United’s defensive organisation and singled out goalkeeper Dave Richards for an outstanding display - itself an indirect testament to the volume and quality of Rangers chances.
He said: “I thought the players defended magnificently.
“My goalkeeper was outstanding tonight - he made some big saves in key moments.”
Rangers had repeatedly carved United open, with Danilo, Djeidi Gassama, Nedim Bajrami, Yousef Chermiti and Jayden Meghoma all passing up opportunities before the late penalty that would ultimately deny Goodwin’s side a statement win.
While frustrated, Goodwin made a point of acknowledging Rangers attacking improvement under Danny Röhl which was a sharp contrast to the Gers misfiring display against Falkirk days earlier.
“I’m not saying Rangers didn’t play well, because I thought they did at times.
“They created a lot of dangerous goal scoring opportunities.”
Goodwin highlighted one area where he wants his squad to emulate Rangers - sustained focus and intensity.
He explained: “It’s easy to motivate yourself when you’re playing against the likes of Rangers.
“We have to bring this type of mindset, work rate in all of the other games as well.”
In a refreshing turn compared to some recent Scottish football touchline discourse, Goodwin refused to lean on officiating as a deflection.
On the Rangers penalty: “If that was up the other end, I’d be screaming for it.
“The Rangers player gets there first and I understand why the referee has given it.”
On the earlier handball shout against Emmanuel Fernández he said: “It definitely hits the arm - but if it was the other way around, I probably wouldn’t want it.
“I don’t have an issue with the referee on that.”
Goodwin went as far as to say referee David Dickinson “had a really good game” - a sign that even amid disappointment, he recognised that Rangers late leveller was earned through persistence rather than controversy.
Goodwin departed Tannadice rueful but realistic.