Rangers go to Tannadice tonight in search of their first Scottish Premiership opening day win in four years.
Derek McInnes will aim to succeed where Russell Martin, Phillipe Clement, and Michael Beale faltered in recent seasons.
When Beale was at the helm in 2023, he took his team to Kilmarnock for the curtain-raiser, and it was none other than Derek McInnes who inspired the home team to a 1-0 victory.
He knows what’s expected, he knows all about the situation, but now he is the one trying to avoid an upset and having to play catch up once again.
The last time Rangers won on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership campaign was back in 2022, under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, when the team came from behind to secure a late 2-1 victory over Livingston in West Lothian.
Rangers opening day struggles in recent seasons
5 August 2023 – Kilmarnock 1 Rangers 0.
3 August 2024 – Hearts 0 Rangers 0
2 August 2025 – Motherwell 1 Rangers 1 (Tavernier, 14)
Derek McInnes speaks ahead of Dundee United v Rangers
At the pre-match press conference, Rangers manager Derek McInnes talked up the importance of the Scottish Premiership opener:
“I’m really looking forward to it. You have to feel excited about a new season starting – it’s an opportunity to start as we mean to go on, said the Ibrox gaffer.
“It’s well documented that Rangers haven’t started the first game of the season well for a number of years.
“The fixture list has dealt us a tough opener and you rarely get an easy away game, but it’s important Dundee United have a tougher game than we do on Friday. We’ve got to turn up and do our jobs properly.
“Pre-season friendlies serve their purpose and I’m glad they’re over so we can get down to the real stuff. We still have work to do, but I’m delighted with what we’ve managed in terms of signings and the effort the players have put in. They’ve worked extremely hard, been very willing to listen and do what we’re asking, and they’ve been first-class in terms of effort.
“As a staff, we need to help them along and winning games helps, especially for a young team. Getting that early confidence, starting with a win at Dundee United away, would be a big step for us, but we know it will be a tough match.”
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