Aasgaard earns McInnes first point as Rangers fight back at Tannadice

The Derek McInnes era at Rangers began with a point at Tannadice, though it took a fightback to get it. Thelo Aasgaard's goal ensured a 1-1 draw with Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership opener, giving the new manager something to build on after the disappointment of falling behind. For a club that has seen its share of turbulence, a draw away from home might not be celebrated wildly — but it offers a foundation.

A fightback required

Dundee United, playing in front of their own fans, made the brighter start and took a deserved lead through Lachlan Rose. The Australian forward produced a composed finish to score the first goal of the Premiership season, putting the hosts in front at the interval. Rangers needed a response after the break, and it came from Aasgaard, the young Norwegian attacking midfielder, who found the net to level matters and scramble a point. The game had its moments of tension, but in truth neither side did enough to claim victory.

The McInnes factor

McInnes, a seasoned manager with extensive experience at Aberdeen and Kilmarnock, was handed the Rangers job to bring structure and discipline back to the Ibrox club. His methods are well known: organised shape, high pressing, and a no-nonsense approach to game management. This was never going to be a revolutionary first outing, more a case of steadying the ship. The point at Tannadice is a small but useful step. For Aasgaard, getting off the mark under a new boss will please him personally, and it suggests the side can find goals even when they are not at their best.

What it means

For Dundee United, this is a credible result. They led for much of the game and showed they can mix it with the top sides in the division. For Rangers, the draw is not a disaster, but it underscores the scale of the task ahead. McInnes will want more creativity and sharper finishing in future weeks. The positive is that they showed resilience to avoid losing, and that could be a crucial trait over a long season. If they can build on this point and turn it into a run of form, the McInnes era may just be getting started.