Rangers could not start the Derek McInnes era with a victory after being held to a 1-1 draw by Dundee United in the opening game of the 2026-27 Scottish Premiership season.

Thelo Aasgaard managed to cancel out Lachlan Rose's first-half opener, but Rangers could not find a winner as McInnes started his stint at the club with a draw.

The first chance fell the way of Rangers captain Lawrence Shankland, who saw his backheel effort from Djeidi Gassama's cross turned behind by Jack Walton in the third minute.

Rose's eyes lit up when he was played through on goal inside the opening 25 minutes, and though he was halted by a brilliant last-ditch challenge from Emmanuel Fernandez, the Australian forward would not be denied before the break.

Jesse Randall burst into the box and fired in a low cross along the edge of the six-yard box, and while Zachary Sapsford was unable to get a touch, Rose managed to poke in off the post as Ivor Pandur could not react quickly enough.

McInnes made two changes at half-time, bringing on Dan Neil and Youssef Chermiti, and the visitors came out firing for the second half as Shankland and Chermiti both recorded shots early on.

Rangers kept the pressure on United and levelled in the 56th minute through Aasgaard, who took the ball down in the box before firing into the top-left corner to leave Walton with no chance.

The hosts sat deep and frustrated Rangers, who were in desperate search of a winner, though the best opportunity was squandered by Randall, whose dinked effort was underhit and landed in the grateful arms of Pandur. 

More opening day blues for Rangers

For the fourth consecutive Premiership season, Rangers have failed to start with three points.

They were perhaps lucky to leave Tannadice Park with a draw after Randall's late miss, with United also accumulating more expected goals (xG) (1.59 to 1.43) and creating two big chances to Rangers' one.

Nevertheless, there were still positives to take for McInnes, especially after Aasgaard's performance. Along with his goal, Aasgaard recorded the most shots for Rangers (four), recorded the most touches (76) and successful passes (39), while also completing the most dribbles (4/6).

Shankland and Devlin, who both followed McInnes from Hearts, also showed promise, with the striker leading his side in xG (0.3) and Devlin recording the most interceptions (five) for Rangers.

Nevertheless, United held on after taking the lead; they were the only Premiership side to not lose after going ahead in a league game last season.