Rangers begin their 2026-27 Premiership campaign with a tough away trip to Tannadice as new manager Derek McInnes faces Dundee United in his competitive debut. United boss Jim Goodwin has vowed to make life difficult for the Light Blues, who finished 2nd in the 2025 table with 69 points (19W-12D-2L) and a +35 goal difference.
What’s at stake for Derek McInnes?
Derek McInnes takes charge of Rangers after a successful spell at Hearts, where his work last season earned him the Ibrox job. Goodwin, familiar with McInnes’ background, acknowledges the significance of the role but insists United will push for an upset. Rangers’ summer revamp includes signings like Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin, and Ben Godfrey, with Ross McCrorie currently sidelined.
How have both teams prepared?
Rangers relied on pre-season friendlies, while Dundee United navigated the Premier Sports Cup group stage. Goodwin sees no clear advantage, noting Rangers faced tough opposition in warm-ups. United’s next challenge after this is a Premier Sports Cup tie against Celtic, followed by a Dundee derby.
What’s next for Rangers?
After Friday’s opener, Rangers’ next fixture is a home clash with Dundee on 30 December 2026. With Hearts finishing 1 point ahead last season, McInnes will aim to hit the ground running in his quest to close the gap.
