Rangers Archives - Page 3 of 7

Queen’s Park Deliver Historic Upset Against Rangers in Shocking Scottish Cup Tie

Queen’s Park Stun Rangers in Historic Ibrox Upset Scottish football witnessed one of its most astonishing cup shocks on Sunday as second-tier Queen’s Park pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory over Rangers at Ibrox, securing a Scottish Cup quarter-final place for the first time in over four decades. Dominance Without Reward For large spells, Rangers controlled possession, dictated the tempo, and carved out numerous opportunities. Yet, their superiority failed to translate into goals. The first half was a story of frustration, with the hosts going closest just before the break—a towering header crashing off the crossbar, a moment that summed up their evening. Queen’s Park, disciplined and resilient, absorbed the pressure, waiting for their opportunity. A Moment That Shook Ibrox That moment arrived in the 69th minute. Substitute Seb Drozd, introduced to add fresh energy, found himself in space at the edge of the box. One touch to steady himself, another to unleash a pinpoint strike. The ball skidded low past the outstretched Rangers keeper, rippling the net and sending the small but boisterous Queen’s Park contingent into raptures. Inside Ibrox, silence. Shock. Disbelief. Last-Minute Drama and a Heroic Save As Rangers pressed desperately for an equaliser, stoppage time delivered a twist worthy of the Scottish Cup. A clumsy challenge on Cyriel Dessers saw the referee point to the spot in the 97th minute. This was it—the chance to force extra time, to avoid humiliation. James Tavernier, Rangers’ captain and typically reliable from the spot, stepped up. Ibrox held its breath. Then, in a moment of pure goalkeeping brilliance, Queen’s Park’s Calum Ferrie flung himself to his left, fingertips pushing the ball around the post. The stadium gasped. The Queen’s Park bench erupted. The underdogs had held firm. Seconds later, the final whistle confirmed the unthinkable. A Defensive Masterclass Ferrie’s penalty heroics were just one part of a goalkeeping performance for the ages. Time and again, he denied Rangers, producing crucial stops from Mohamed Diomande and Václav Cerný, while Queen’s Park’s backline executed a defensive display of discipline and composure. Every block, every clearance, every moment of defiance was another step towards history. Reactions: Despair and Delight For Rangers boss Philippe Clement, the disappointment was clear. “We created more chances than in any game this season, but football is about finishing. We didn’t do that—not even with a penalty in the final minute. The fans are right to be angry. We all are.” On the other side, Queen’s Park manager Callum Davidson beamed with pride. “We had a game plan—to frustrate them, to stay compact, and to take our moment when it came. The boys executed it perfectly. This is what makes the Scottish Cup special.” What This Means for Both Clubs For Rangers, this defeat will sting. Another missed opportunity for silverware, another night of frustration. Their failure to break down a determined opponent and the nerve-shredding penalty miss will prompt serious questions. For Queen’s Park, this was more than just a cup win. It was a moment of history. A reminder of the magic of the competition. A victory that will be spoken about for generations. As the floodlights dimmed at Ibrox, the scenes told their own story—Rangers trudging off, heads bowed, while Queen’s Park’s players and fans embraced a night they will never forget. Because this, after all, is what football is all about.

February 9, 2025

Dundee United Demands VAR Overhaul, Pulls Out of Key Incident Review

Dundee United has recently taken a strong stance on VAR practices, arguing that the system’s application is marred by inconsistent rule interpretations. In a significant move, the club announced its decision to withdraw from the Scottish FA’s Key Match Incident (KMI) panel, expressing deep concerns about the panel’s intended purpose and overall impact. Background on the Review Panel The Scottish FA launched the KMI panel in September of last year as a five-member group comprised of club representatives, ex-referees, former players, and coaches. The panel is tasked with examining critical incidents from the previous week’s SPFL Premiership games and other competitions where VAR is in use. Its role is to assess and vote on whether both the on-field decisions and any VAR interventions were correct. A Catalyst for Change Dundee United’s decision comes on the heels of a controversial 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock. In that match, Marley Watkins’ goal – which clinched the win for Kilmarnock – was allowed to stand after a VAR check, despite significant questions regarding its legitimacy. This incident appears to have been the tipping point for United. In an official statement, the club explained: “Dundee United FC has formally notified the Scottish FA that we are withdrawing our representation from the KMI panel. This decision is the result of extensive discussions throughout the season with the Refereeing Department. We have raised serious concerns about the panel’s purpose, effectiveness, and overall impact on the game. We feel that the panel’s outcomes are not aligned with the feedback provided to the Scottish FA.” The statement went on to criticise instances where on-field decisions, once validated by both VAR and the Refereeing Department, were later contradicted by the panel. According to Dundee United, many of the panel members lack sufficient expertise in the laws of the game, which has contributed to what the club sees as a flawed review process. Media and External Pressures The club also highlighted how some of the panel’s decisions have been magnified by media reports, adding undue pressure on match officials. This, they argue, could have repercussions for future refereeing decisions and undermine the confidence in the system. Broader Implications for VAR Beyond the immediate concerns with the KMI panel, Dundee United has called for a comprehensive review of VAR practices in Scottish football. The club noted that inconsistent interpretations of the laws of the game by VAR have frustrated several Premiership clubs. In their view, while errors are an unavoidable part of football, the heightened scrutiny brought about by VAR has made refereeing decisions a highly public issue. “We are committed to ensuring that our club is treated fairly at all times. At the same time, we want to contribute to a broader improvement in Scottish football. We are reaching out to both the Scottish FA and the SPFL to advocate for a more robust VAR protocol and review process. This is essential for protecting our match officials and preserving the integrity of the game.” Additional Reactions In a related development, St Mirren recently voiced its displeasure following a VAR decision that denied them a penalty in a match against St Johnstone. The club’s statement underlined their ongoing concerns with recent officiating errors, calling on the Scottish FA to address these issues promptly. Participation in the KMI panel is voluntary for clubs, with an external expert advising the panel on the laws of the game. Despite these measures, Dundee United’s recent actions underline the growing discontent within Scottish football regarding the current VAR framework. The Scottish FA is reportedly exploring further enhancements to the VAR system, as it has been actively evolving the protocol since its introduction in October 2022. Sky Sports News has reached out to the Scottish FA for further comment on the matter.

February 6, 2025

Your club’s January window rated

Aberdeen In: Alfie Dorrington (Tottenham Hotspur, loan), Oday Dabbagh (Charleroi, loan), Alexander Jensen (Brommapojkarna, undisclosed), Mats Knoester (Ferencvaros, undisclosed), Jeppe Okkels (Prestond North End, loan), Kristers Tobers (Grasshopper Zurich, undisclosed) Out: Alfie Bavidge (Inverness Caledonian Thistle, loan), Duk (Luganes, undisclosed), Angus MacDonald (free), James McGarry (Athens Kallithea, loan), Alfie Stewart (Inverness Calidonian Thistle, loan), Rodrigo Vitols (Keith, loan) Jimmy Thelin has taken an unorthodox approach to fixing his side’s back line, by getting an entirely new one. The arrival of defenders Tobers, Jensen, Knoester and Dorrington show where the manager thinks the epicentre of side’s seismic collapse originates. Papa Gueye’s return from injury is a welcome boost but adding a couple of supporting forwards in Dabbagh and Okkels, a player Thelin knows from his time at Elfsborg, will help add some verve to a stale attack. Moves made all the more important by the biggest loss of their windown with Duk leaving for La Liga side Leganes. Overall, a proactive approach to solving the side’s woes despite the loss of Duk. Fans will have to hope the current players’ fragile confidence is not contagious. B- Celtic In: Jota (Rennes, undisclosed), Jeffrey Schlupp (Crystal Palace, loan) Out: Alexandro Bernabei (Internacional, undisclosed), Kyogo Furuhashi (Rennes, undisclosed), Aiden Haddow (Heart of Midlothian), Odin Holm (Los Angeles, loan), Luis Palma (Olympiakos, loan), Alex Valle (Barcelona, loan ended), Stephen Welsh (Mechelen, loan) Peter Lawwell might just be the happiest man in Scottish football, the Celtic CEO has managed to recoup Jota and Kieran Tierney (pre-contract for summer signed) for less than a fifth of what they sold them for. Less pleased perhaps will be the fans themselves who have seen their beloved Kyogo depart for France and a limited window spend given the club’s burgeoning purse. However, on top of the savings and scoring on his return, Jota being five years younger than the Japanese forward is a good bit of future planning. We know how ambitious he is to move the club forward, so Rodgers will be frustrated to that they were pipped to another former player of his in Kelechi Iheanacho, who joined Middlesborough on loan instead. More worrying perhaps is that the departures of Palma and Valle will harm the squad’s depth but Jeffrey Shlupp’s ability to play in almost every position should negate that to some extent. Here’s to hoping that in going out on loan, Welsh and Holm do not join another lost generation of youngsters at the club. B+ Dundee In: Aaron Donnelly (Nottingham Forest, undisclosed), Cesar Garza (Monterrey, loan), Victor Lopez (Queretaro, loan), Imari Samuels (Brighton & Hove Albion) Out: Sammy Braybrooke (Leicester City, loan ended) Sean Kelly, Curtis Main (Ayr United, free), Marley Sweenie-Rowe (Forfar Athletic, loan), Julian Vetro (Burnley, loan ended) An odd windown for the Dee’s. On the one hand the permanently returning Donnelly and loanee Garza have looked like class additions since arriving with Samuels and Lopez still bedding in. On the other, it fails to stem one of the major issues this side faced in the winter, squad depth. When the side beat Rangers, Tony Docherty made the point that the side had won despite being down to bare bones during the winter. However, letting five players leave the club seems like an odd way of dealing with the issue. Braybrooke and Vetro no doubt left because of a lack of game time but Docherty is left with having to see this squad through the next few months which seems just as likely to make the top six as it does to get relegated. D Dundee United In: Allan Campbell (Luton, undisclosed), Lewis Fiorini (Stockport County, loan), Ruari Paton (Port Vale, loan) Out: Zak Cameron (Cowdenbeath, loan), Adam Carnwath (Alloa Athletic, loan), Scott Constable (Stirling Albion, loan), Charlie Dewar (Alloa Athletic, loan), Alan Domeracki (Norwich City, undisclosed), Lewis Haldane (East Craigie, loan), Ollie Simpson (Jeanfield Swifts, loan), Owen Stirton (Montrose, loan), Miller Thomson (Falkirk, loan), Meshack Ubochioma (Livingston, loan) Evolution not revolution seems to have been the motto in the United front office. If you had told those involved at the club that they could finish in top half in their first season since promotion they would have bitten your hand off. Now they face the very possibility of going for the entire arm as third looks a very real possibility and have made some neat additions to give themselves the best chance of doing so. One time Scotland international Campbell brings quality in midfield as Fiorini arrives looking to come good on the potential that saw him graduate from Manchester City’s academy. Paton took the hard route to Dundee. Having been released by Hibs, the striker has worked his way up from the Lowland League to the Prem playing in every division in between before struggling in League 2 with Port Vale. Jim Goodwin will hope he can ease the goalscoring burden carried by Sam Dalby, who has netted over a third of his side’s total. Plenty of outgoings as United’s fledglings look to find their wings on loan across Scotland. Most notably Miller Thomson, the youngster will hope to build on his early season promise with title chasing Falkirk. C- Hearts of Midlothian In: Aiden Haddow (Celtic), Elton Kabangu (Union Saint-Gilloise, loan),Sander Kartum (Brann), Jamie McCart (Rotherdam United, undisclosed), Harry Milne (Partick Thistle, undisclosed), Michael Steinwender (Varnamo, undisclosed) Out: Malachi Boateng (Plymouth Argyle, undisclosed), Liam Boyce (Derry City, undisclosed), Daniel Oyegoke (Hellas Verona, undisclosed), Kyle Rowles (DC United, undisclosed), Andres Salazar (Atletico Nacional, loan ended), Callum Sandilands (Montrose, loan), Kai Smutek (Bonnyrigg Rose, loan), Macauley Tait (Livingston, loan) The outcome of Hearts’s business in this window and the next could have serious ramifications for Scottish football. It remains early days of the partnership with Brighton owner Tony Bloom’s company Jamestown Analytics but with loanee Kabangu from partner club USG already scoring five goals in four games, it would appear as though the two could be on the cusp of making signings from abroad a fine art. Of course it remains

February 4, 2025

Defending champions Rangers host Spartans in SWF Scottish Cup Quarter-finals

After easing past Montrose 7-0, Rangers will host a Spartans side who trounced Kilmarnock 6-0. Last year’s finalists Hearts are rewarded for trouncing Falkirk 9-0 with the opportunity to welcome 9 time winners Glasgow City. City edged past Celtic 3-2 at the weekend. SWPL 2’s Boroughmuir Thistle will take on Motherwell after earning a well deserved victory of Premiership side Dundee United. Motherwell meanwhile made light work of Bonyrigg Rose with a 6-0 thumping. In the fourth and final clash will see Aberdeen, 3-0 victors against Hamilton Accies travel to St Johnstone, themselves coming out 4-2 winners to knock out Elgin City. The games will all be played on the 9th of March.

February 3, 2025

Rangers stroll to three points against Ross County

Rangers made light of visiting Ross County in a 4-0 victory with two goals from Ianis Hagi. County now found themselves in the precarious 11th place position. It took almost twenty minutes but Hagi made the most of Jordan Amissah’s spill following Vaclav Cerny’s to break the deadlock. Adding a second just seven minutes later, the Romanian international was perhaps fortunate to see his free-kick deflected off the wall and past a helpless Amissah. Unable to withstand the onslaught County were caught in the 36th minute as John Souttar blasted a shot into the roof of the net after Nico Raskin headed the ball into his path. If it hadn’t been game over by then, it was certainly was when Jordan White’s scything cut down of gave James Tavernier the chance to make it four from the spot, which the captain duly did. County’s chances in the game were few and far between albeit Jordan White’s header in the first half from a corner forced a good save from Jack Butland. Line-ups: Rangers: Butland, Jefte, Nsiala (Rafael Fernanders 80), Souttar (Propper 62), Tavernier (c), Raskin, Diomande (Rice 46), Hagi (Bajrami 74), Igamane (Lawrence 74), Cerny, Dessers Unused subs: Curtis, Kelly, McCausland, Nsio Goals: Hagi (18), (25), Souttar (36), Tavernier (79 pen) Ross County: Amissah, Campbell, Lopata, Tomkinson, Robesten (MacLeod 85), Kenneh (Brown 46), Wright, Nisbet (Allardice 46), Randall (c), Chilvers (Ashworth 86), Phillips (61) Unused subs: Hale, Harmon, Laidlaw, Smith Booked: Randall Referee: Steve McLean Attendance: 46,973

February 3, 2025

Club-by-club midseason review by fans Part 2: Kilmarnock to St Mirren

The second half of the fan perspective on their respective clubs! You can find Part 1 here … Kilmarnock (by Kyle Brown) How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? At the time of writing we are sitting 11th, but also only six points off 5th. It’s disappointing we are as low as we are, but I don’t think the table is necessarily reflective of how we have played in some games. We have had a habit of turning wins into draws and draws into hard luck defeats. I was tempted to actually score the season higher due to the fact that we got three European ties and handled ourselves well in those games. But sadly we are toiling in the league and we suffered early defeat in both domestic cups. 5/10 Star players/ flops We haven’t really had any out and out star players. Some players like Brad Lyons and Lewis Mayo have been consistently pretty good. Bobby Wales has come into the team and done well. Delighted for him. The flops are for sure both of the goalkeepers. Neither O’Hara or McCrorie have really staked a claim for the number one or even had a consistent run of games in the team. I was hoping McCrorie had turned a corner only for him to sadly fracture a bone in his face at Parkhead. Biggest surprise of the season so far? I am surprised by just how poor defensively some of the goals we have leaked in are. We were solid defensively last year and Derek McInnes is known for having solid foundations so it is both a shock and source of extreme frustration. You do have to perhaps look at the goalkeeper position but I also think some of our defenders really haven’t hit the heights of last season. Best/ worst away fans? Tough one and no doubt you are going to get pelters whoever you choose. I felt Dundee have brought a decent support to Rugby Park the last few years; shoutout to all the Aberdeen fans who made a horrific journey to us on Boxing Day only to watch their team get pumped 4-0. L’s in the chat that day for both Aberdeen and whoever makes the fixtures as that’s a nightmare for an away fan. Worst – I was shocked at how little fans, home and away, Copenhagen brought to the games. They just didn’t seem to care about playing Kilmarnock in the Conference League less than a year after beating Man Utd and Bayern Munich in the Champions League. I wonder why! How has your club done in the January window and they need before it closes? Jack Burroughs and Oli Bainbridge were both recalled by Coventry and Sunderland, respectively. They weren’t really playing much so it is no great loss. Bainbridge did play in the win away to Tromso though! Our only new signing has been Calvin Ramsay on loan from Liverpool. He was hooked at half time at Tynecastle sadly on his debut. I am hoping he gives us something new and it is a great move for both us and the Scotland-capped youngster. One player you would take from another Premiership side? Kuhn from Celtic. Any Celtic player really to be honest. Anyone that can finish. From a non Old Firm perspective, I have always liked the creativity of Yan Dhanda. I get he is a flair player and probably will flatter to deceive in some games, but I have felt we could have used a player like him over the last three seasons. Motherwell ( by Callum Hart, Journalist for SPFL News Now) How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? I think the season has been fairly underwhelming. Although the league table looks good on paper, watching the games is no where near as enjoyable as you would want to see from a team sitting 5th in the league. The standard and tactical choices mean we haven’t been as successful as I believe we could’ve been. I’m glad Kettlewell has stepped down (I’m not happy with the reasons behind it) I feel that with the right choice of manager, the team can finish the season strongly. 5/10 Star players/ flops Lennon Miller has been a standout, massively impressive from a player of his age. Stephen O’Donnell and Tony Watt have failed to impress me this season. Biggest surprise of the season so far? Kettlewell stepping down has to be the biggest shock, I thought there was no way he would be sacked or ever step down. As I mentioned I’m not happy with the reasoning behind him leaving. However, I feel it will be better for the club. Best/ worst away fans? Best – Celtic. Just generally the loudest, don’t stop making noise. Worst – Ross County (although to be fair the long trip makes up for the poor support) How has your club done in the January window and they need before it closes? I think the club have made signings in positions that needed improvement. I’m reserved with my opinion if the players as I haven’t seen anything from a few of them as they have came from down south. I’d like us to sign a number 10 as I feel we could use more creativity in the midfield. One player you would take from another Premiership side? I would have Hamza Igamane, I think he is the leagues best striker. We need someone that can come in and score goals and I think he does that very well. Rangers (by Daniel) How do you feel about the season so far and what do you expect from the rest of it? The season has not been good enough especially away form and against teams that we should be beating but the most annoying part is we beat the teams like Celtic but can’t beat

January 31, 2025

Rangers beat wasteful Union Saint-Gilloise to squeak into automatic places

Excellent finishes from Nico Raskin and Vaclav Cerny saw Rangers past an Union Saint-Gilloise punished for their lack of composure. With Bodo/ Glimt held by Nice, Philippe Clement’s side took the all important eighth and automatic spot. After a frenetic opening, Raskin broke the deadlock for the home side. Meeting a sumptuous James Tavernier cross to score just his second goal for the club. Meet a cut-back from Cyriel Dessers, Cerny doubled the lead with a neat finish as Rangers looked to hold on for the win. However with minutes to go Kevin Mac Allister pulled one back for the Belgian side with excellent technique to see his header dip over Jack Butland, caught too far off his line to ensure a nervy end to the game. Cerny came inches from adding Rangers’ third with his thundering effort from distance rattling the post. Saint-Gilloise will no doubt rue their profligacy, Mohammed Fuseini missing a glaring opportunity after a fine cut-back had put the goal at his mercy. Finishing from the visitors became increasingly dire in the second half. Having rounded a helpless Jack Butland, Fuseini saw his goalbound shot blocked by James Tavernier before Franjo Ivanovic made a meal of the rebound by dinking the ball over the net. English defender Ross Sykes could do no better despite finding himself unmarked at the back post of a corner, heading the ball well over the bar. In the dying moments of the game Kevin Rodriguez hashed what could have a been the equaliser, lack the requisite cold blood in front of goal and instead directing the shot over with Sykes following suit not long after as Rangers breathed a huge sigh of relief. Looking for a goal of his own, Hamza Igamane raced onto a through ball but could not direct the shot on target. Both sides were denied goals by the offside flag, Ivanonic first for Saint-Gilloise before Dessers saw his own finish chalked off. Making his first start in Europe since Giovanni van Bronckhorst governed the touchline, Leon King could have suffered no worse luck than he did when a head knock forced him off after just fourteen minutes. Line-ups: Rangers: Butland, Jefte, Propper, Tavernier (c), King (McCausland 14), Raskin, Diomande, Bajrami (Nsio 80), Igamane (Lovelace 80), Cerny (Souttar 63), Dessers Unused subs: Curtis, Hutton, Munn, Kelly, Lawrence, Rice Booked: McCausland, Igamane, Diomande, Raskin, Propper Goals: Raskin (20), Cerny (55) Union Saint-Gilloise: Moris (c), Sykes, Leysen, Mac Allister (Rasmussen 91), Niang, Khalaili, Vanhoutte, Sadiki, Van de Perre (Ait El Hadj 30), Fuseini (Rodriguez 69), Ivanonic Unused subs: Asri, Berradi, Chambaere, Imbrechts Booked: Leysen Goals: Mac Allister (83) Referee: Damian Sylwestrzak

January 30, 2025

Rangers vs Union Saint-Gilloise: Key Stats and Preview

Rangers will be looking to continue their impressive home record against Belgian opposition when they face Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League. The Scottish side has won all six of their previous home matches against Belgian teams, with a dominant aggregate score of 20-7. Their most recent encounter ended in a 3-0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise in the 2022-23 Champions League qualifiers. Union Saint-Gilloise, however, will be eager to turn the tide. The Belgian side has lost three of their four encounters with Scottish clubs, but they can take confidence from their 2-0 home win against Rangers in August 2022. Ibrox has proven to be a fortress for Rangers in the Europa League group stage, with the club losing just twice in 18 home matches (W10 D6). However, both of those defeats came at the hands of Lyon—once in September 2021 (2-0) and more recently in October 2024 (4-1). Union Saint-Gilloise have shown promise on their European travels, winning three of their last five major away matches (L2). This marks a significant improvement, matching the number of away wins they had achieved in their first 16 games in European competition (W3 D4 L9). A key player to watch will be Franjo Ivanovic, who has been in prolific form for Union Saint-Gilloise. He has netted a brace in each of his last two Europa League outings, bringing his tally to four goals in the competition. Only Victor Boniface (6) and Roger Van Cauwelaert (5) have scored more for the club in major European tournaments. With Rangers’ strong home form and Union Saint-Gilloise’s improving European record, this promises to be an exciting contest at Ibrox. Can Rangers maintain their dominance over Belgian teams, or will Union Saint-Gilloise spring a surprise?

January 30, 2025

Rangers beat Dundee United to secure rare away win

Rangers put in a much improved second half performance to defeat Dundee United at Tannadice and narrow the gap with league leaders Celtic to ten points. Despite the scoreline, United had the better of Rangers in the first half and Sam Dalby continued his fine goalscoring season to take advantage of some haphazard clearing in the box to fire his side ahead. Almost against the run of play, Mohamed Diomande thunderous effort from outside the box swerved past Jack Walton to level with just under ten minutes to go until the break. The visitors came flying out the traps as Robin Propper’s blasted shot found itself deflected past Walton by Kevin Holt’s flying block. Following up his goal at Old Trafford, Cyriel Dessers’ fine strike sealed the three points with minutes left to play. With the game still at an impasse Dalby beat Butland with a header only to see his effort come off the post. Luca Stephenson forced the Rangers keeper into a save as United continued to dominate the opening exchanges. Looking to regain the lead in the second half, Dalby came close once again but was denied from a metre by the shot stopper. Rangers began to grow into the game, Dessers and Nedim Bajrami both denied with their first attempts by Walton. After going a goal down, Jim Goodwin’s men were unlucky not to equalise, striking the woodwork yet again with Kai Fotheringham’s attempt. Hitting the post moments earlier himself, Diomande ended an otherwise positive afternoon in slightly sombre fashion as he saw red for raising his hand and making contact with Holt’s face. Line-ups: Dundee United: Walton, Ferry, Holt, Gallagher (c), Strain, Middleton (van der Sande 81), Sevelj, Stephenson (Fiorini 81), Fotheringham (Trapanovski 62), Paton (Moult 62), Dalby Unused subs: Adegboyega, Babunski, Harding, Graham, Richards Booked: Ferry, Middleton, Gallagher, Holt Goals: Dalby (19) Rangers: Butland, Jefte, Nsiala, Propper, Tavernier (c), Raskin, Diomande, Bajrami (Nsio 89), Dessers, Hagi (Lovelace 85), Igamane Unused subs: Curtis, Kelly, King, Lawrence, McCausland, Rice, Rafael Fernandes Booked: Tavernier Sent off: Diomande Goals: Diomande (37), Propper (49), Dessers (86) Attendance: 13, 653 Referee: Nick Walsh

January 27, 2025

Bruno Fernandes Seals Dramatic Late Win for Manchester United Over Rangers

Bruno Fernandes scored a stoppage-time winner for Manchester United as they overcame Rangers 2-1 at Old Trafford. The late goal came after Cyriel Dessers’ dramatic equaliser in the 88th minute, which had briefly given the Scottish club hope of a vital point. Rangers’ forward Dessers produced a stunning moment, outmuscling Harry Maguire to score a brilliant goal and cancel out Jack Butland’s earlier own goal. However, Fernandes responded swiftly, volleying home with precision to secure victory for United. The result sees Manchester United climb to fourth in the Europa League standings. Despite their Premier League struggles, Ruben Amorim’s side remains unbeaten in Europe after seven fixtures. A win away to Steaua Bucharest next week will secure a top-eight finish, bypassing the play-off round. Rangers, sitting in 13th place, are almost certain to feature in the play-offs. Amorim: “It was a good victory” “We didn’t deserve the draw; I think it was fair for us to win the game. It was just a victory that we truly needed in this moment.” Speaking to TNT Sports, Amorim added: “We played well. There was more connection with the ball and good speed. We lost control of the game for seven minutes because of small, bad decisions. Even when we conceded Rangers’ goal, we were so close to scoring the second and missed so many chances. But we recovered, and it was a good victory.” He acknowledged the team’s ongoing challenges: “We are not playing our best; we are far from that. But we improved from the last game. The opponent is different, the speed is different, everything is different. But they tried, you can see it again – the connections, the movement, some play – and we did well considering the time we’ve had to train. We need to be more clinical in the right moments. That can help us a lot.” Clement: “Everybody is gutted” Rangers boss Philippe Clement expressed his disappointment but praised his players’ efforts: “I saw everybody gutted in the dressing room, disappointed that we lost after playing that kind of game. I am also [disappointed], clearly, because we wanted to win and take the points we deserved.” However, Clement highlighted his pride in the team’s performance: “I am also proud of what the team did today – sticking to the plan, following the tactics, and with all the young players coming on the pitch. The team stayed compact, well-organised, and brave on the ball. We created enough chances. In the first half, we created the best opportunity. We went behind but did not stop believing and playing for the goal, so it is very disappointing to concede at the end.” Man Utd vs Rangers: Player Ratings Manchester United: Bayindir (7), De Ligt (6), Martinez (7), Yoro (6), Amad (7), Collyer (7), Eriksen (7), Dalot (6), Fernandes (7), Garnacho (7), Zirkzee (5). Subs Used: Maguire (5), Malacia (6), Ugarte (6), Mainoo (6), Højlund (6). Rangers: Butland (4), Tavernier (7), Propper (7), Balogun (6), Jefte (5), Barron (6), Raskin (7), Ridvan (6), Bajrami (6), Cerny (7), Igamane (6). Subs Used: Rice (6), McCausland (6), Curtis (6), Dessers (7).

January 24, 2025

Rangers

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