- Rangers face a must win game against Dundee United this weekend
- United recently beat fellow title rivals Celtic 2-0
- We’ve broken down three important tactical points for the game at Ibrox
Rangers can go top of the Scottish Premiership for the first time since April 2024 against Dundee United.
The Gers must win on Saturday to really increase the pressure on title rivals Hearts and Celtic.
Dundee United are currently seventh in the table and come into the game after a 2-0 victory against Celtic.
Manager Jim Goodwin has overseen the club since 2023 and knows how to fine-tune his players against the big teams.
Ibrox has been a fortress for Rangers in recent months, but all that means nothing if they don’t win this weekend.
Danny Rohl prefers a high-possession, high-energy style of play.
So, here are three tactical focal points the Gers need to focus on against Goodwin’s Dundee United.
The Will Ferry factor
While Dundee United sits mid-table, they possess one of the most productive creative outlets in the league: Will Ferry.
In the 2025/26 campaign, Ferry has been a standout for expected assists, rivalling even James Tavernier in chance creation.
Tavernier has created 62 chances this season, while Ferry has created 55.
Dundee United also have Luca Stephenson on right hand side, someone could be at Ibrox next season.
Rangers’ right-hand side, likely marshalled by Tavernier and Nasser Djiga, must be disciplined.
Goodwin often sets up to frustrate and then release Ferry quickly on the counter.
If Rangers allow Ferry time to measure his deliveries, United’s strikers like Zac Sapsford will find joy in the box.
Sapsford has scored six goals in the Premiership this season.
Rohl relies on a high press from the top of the pitch, but the Gers must be mindful of ensuring Ferry is doubled up on the wings.
Rangers must break the low block.
Jim Goodwin has stabilized Dundee United with a cautious approach, often deploying three centre-backs as he did against Celtic.
They recently stunned Celtic 2-0 by sitting deep perfectly, absorbing the pressure, and being lethal on the counterattack.
To avoid a draw or even a loss, the Gers must interchange and be fluid in their movement.
Whether it’s going direct to find Youssef Chermiti or playing the ball to Mikey Moore in the pockets, the Gers cannot be static.
Against three central defenders and wing-backs, Tuur Rommens and James Tavernier are going to be influential at Ibrox.
The more Rommens and Tavernier can find the ball in high spaces, the more Rangers can centrally overload the pitch.
If Rohl can find a solution to dragging Dundee United’s CB’s out of their line, Rangers will find joy in behind.
High-risk defensive transition
Danny Röhl’s proactive and attacking style has turned Ibrox into a fortress, but it comes with a vulnerability.
The Gers need to push men forward to break down Dundee United’s low block, but discipline is key.
Rangers have conceded an average of 1.4 goals in recent meetings with United, so the threat is there.
United’s Amar Fatah and Sapsford are adept at playing on the shoulder of the last man.
If Rangers over-commit in their search for a second or third goal, they risk being caught in a 2v2 situation.
The Gers need to be flawless in recovery to ensure their three points at Ibrox.
Read Rangers analysis
Against a resolute Dundee United side, the Gers need to be flawless in transition and fluid in their movement to win.
Rohl’s side has a history of conceding goals against Dundee United, so communication is imperative.
If they play as they did against Aberdeen last time out, the Gers will move to the top of the Premiership.
