Rangers’ first match since Russell Martin’s dismissal produced a familiar story, simply flipped: flashes of promise, followed by another collapse.
Under interim boss Stevie Smith, the Light Blues dominated the first half, only to surrender control after the break and be forced to rely on captain James Tavernier to salvage a 2–2 draw with Dundee United.
Smith, a former title winning player with the Gers stepping up from the U19s while the club finalises a deals for Kevin Muscat and Neil McCann. The difference in approach was immediate. Rangers looked sharper, more direct, and more confident in possession, with Oliver Antman and Tavernier linking well down the right and Joe Rothwell operating higher up the pitch.
The first half was comfortably Rangers’ best 45 minutes of the season. They moved the ball quickly, pressed with intent, and created chance after chance. Thelo Aasgaard was the standout, finally showing his quality with a superb solo goal on 25 minutes - twisting through the United defence before curling into the top corner. It was the Norwegian’s first major moment in a Rangers shirt and capped a dominant spell where the hosts registered 24 shots and 77% possession before the interval.
But, as has so often been the case, the second half told a different story. Rangers’ tempo dipped, passing slowed, and the same defensive vulnerabilities that haunted Martin’s tenure re-emerged. Dundee United drew level on 66 minutes when Kristijan Trapanovski was left unmarked at the edge of the box to fire low past Jack Butland after another cutback wasn’t dealt with.
Just nine minutes later, Craig Sibbald put United ahead with a thunderous long-range strike, though it again came from Rangers losing their defensive shape, with Derek Corneilius dragged out of position and failing to win an aerial challenge in midfield.
The atmosphere turned sour, with fresh banners from the stands aimed at the Rangers hierarchy, while chants of frustration rippled around Ibrox as the minutes ticked away. Yet the captain once again came to the rescue. Substitute Mikey Moore showed maturity beyond his years, racing down the right and cutting back for Tavernier to rifle home the equaliser with three minutes remaining.
Butland then had to deny United a late winner after Jayden Meghoma lost possession deep in his own half, another moment underlining the fragility that has plagued Rangers all season.
The final whistle brought groans rather than boos, the overriding emotion was fatigue. Rangers are still without a league clean sheet and have now drawn six of their opening eight Premiership fixtures.
Smith restored some attacking purpose, but the defensive chaos, lapses in concentration, and lack of endurance remain glaring problems. The incoming Muscat will inherit a side crying out for leadership, structure, and resilience. Jekyll and Hyde FC striking again...
Rangers XI: Butland, Tavernier (C), Souttar, Corneilius, Meghoma, Raskin, Rothwell, Aasgaard, Gassama, Antman, Miovski
Dundee United XI: Kucharenko, Esselink, Keresztes, Eskesen, Ferry, Stephenson, Sevelj, Sibbald, Fatah, Dolcek, Sapsford