adminDerek McInnes has urged Rangers to speed up their transfer business after his side were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Dundee United in their opening William Hill Premiership match of the season, marking his first competitive game in charge.
The Rangers boss handed debuts to four summer arrivals at Tannadice, with goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, defender Ben Godfrey, midfielder Cammy Devlin and striker Lawrence Shankland all starting.
Ross McCrorie and Dan Neil were introduced from the bench in the second half, but they could not prevent the visitors from dropping points in their first league outing of the 2026/27 campaign.
With a crucial Europa League qualifier against Jagiellonia Bialystok in Poland coming up next week, McInnes admitted Rangers still need reinforcements and hopes more signings will arrive soon.
“We’ve got to improve in many areas,” McInnes said. “The squad will get stronger as the month goes on, and by the end of the window we’ll be in a much better position thanks to new additions.
“But we also have important matches to focus on. I think this game will help us because we’re still learning about the squad and everyone is adapting. Even while we’re learning, though, we want to make sure we’re collecting three points.
“There were positives, especially in terms of fitness, determination and the team’s character. I still expect more, but adding quality signings to the players we already have will make us much stronger, and that gives me confidence for the season ahead.
“I know today’s performance suggests we still have a lot of work to do, and I understand that. However, there are enough encouraging signs. The new signings need to arrive very soon.
“Everyone behind the scenes has worked hard to identify the right players, and I appreciate those efforts. But with key league fixtures and important European matches approaching, we need to bring those players into the club as quickly as possible.”
The match ended in controversy, with Rangers believing they should have been awarded a corner deep into stoppage time. Players surrounded referee Nick Walsh after the final whistle, while McInnes also admitted he challenged the official.
“I thought it looked like a corner,” he said. “Even from the players’ reaction, it seemed that way. I probably shouldn’t have spoken to the referee on the pitch—I should have waited until we got to the officials’ room. I told him that afterwards.”
admin
