New Rangers era gets off to underwhelming start at Dundee United

Rangers got the Derek McInnes era off to a stuttering start as they were forced to come from behind to earn a draw at Dundee United in the opening game of the Scottish Premiership season.

"Just win" was the new manager's message ahead of the game, but he instead became the latest Rangers boss to drop points in his first league match.

Lawrence Shankland came close to a dream start, only for the new Ibrox captain to see his clever flick tipped over by Jack Walton.

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The United goalkeeper then palmed Ryan Naderi's header away before the hosts took the lead when Lachlan Rose tapped Josh Randall's low cross into the net.

Rangers came out firing after the break and Thelo Aasgaard hammered in a brilliant equaliser minutes after Youssef Chermiti was denied twice.

Both teams had chances as the game became increasingly stretched, but it was United who passed up the most glaring opportunity to snatch a victory.

Randall was clean through on goal but sent the ball straight to Ivor Pandur instead of lobbing it over the Gers keeper.

The key moments from Tannadice Park

4: SHANKLAND DENIED! The Rangers captain's clever flick is parried behind by Walton.

29: NADERI HEADER SAVED! He is at full stretch as he steers the ball goalward, but Walton tips it wide.

31: SHOT DEFLECTED WIDE! Agyei goes close from inside the area as his shot is deflected past the post.

35: STERLING GOES CLOSE! The Rangers right-back cuts inside and sends a low, left-footed shot not far wide.

38: GOAL UTD! Randall's low cross is left by Sapsford, allowing Rose to apply the finishing touch from close range.

49: BLOCK! Chermiti has two efforts for Rangers blocked.

51: SAVE! Aasgaard has blast from outside the area and Walton flies high to his left to tip it over.

56: GOAL RANGERS! Aasgaard cleverly shifts the ball onto his left foot inside the area and hammers a shot into the left corner.

84: HUGE MISS FOR RANDALL! He is clean through on goal but sends the ball straight into Pandur's arms.

'Rangers didn't deserve to win'

Sky Sports' Kris Boyd:

"Rangers didn't deserve to win. They were far better in the second half than they were in the first.

"It's a point away from home which, for the majority of teams, is a good result. But, for Rangers to go and try and challenge for things, you want to get off on the front foot.

"It's been the last four seasons in a row that Rangers have failed to win on the opening day. All of a sudden, it just starts to breed that negativity.

"The fans were in full voice until Dundee United scored, then all of a sudden there was a change.

"They want to back something, they want to get behind something. I'm sure there will be better performances ahead.

"Derek spoke about getting the three points. He hasn't been able to do that, but Rangers haven't lost the game either."

What the result means and next fixtures...

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