Rangers’ Struggles Persist with 1-1 Draw Against Dundee United
Glasgow Rangers’ challenging start to the season showed no signs of easing this weekend as Philippe Clement’s team settled for a 1-1 draw against Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership at Ibrox.
The visitors took the lead in the 36th minute when Sam Dalby headed Vicko Sevelj’s precise cross past Jack Butland. Dundee United had further opportunities to extend their advantage through Dalby and David Babunsk but failed to capitalize. Their missed chances proved costly as Vaclav Cerny equalized in the second half, salvaging a point for the Gers.
After the match, Clement acknowledged the need for improvement, stating:
“We don’t need to talk about titles right now; we need to focus on raising our level. We have no control over how many points other teams collect, but losing this many points is completely unacceptable. The players and I are fully aware of the hard work needed to turn things around in the coming months.”
Clement’s Job Under Scrutiny
The Rangers’ sluggish start to the season has cast doubt over Clement’s future at the club. Last month, reports from Football Insider suggested the club’s hierarchy was considering sacking the 50-year-old if results failed to improve. Although Rangers have won only two of their last four Premiership matches since then, Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke now reports that no immediate decision will be made regarding Clement’s position.
Sources indicate that while pressure is building on the Belgian manager, he is expected to remain in charge at least until Rangers’ crucial Europa League match against Nice on Thursday.
Potential Replacements for Clement
Speculation has already begun over who might replace Clement if his tenure at Ibrox comes to an end. Possible candidates include Kjetil Knutsen, Kevin Muscat, and Derek McInnes. Steven Gerrard, who led Rangers to the Premiership title in 2020/21, has also been linked with a potential return.
Rangers legend Ally McCoist believes Gerrard would receive a warm welcome back to Glasgow, saying:
“He would be welcomed back. He won the title during his time here, and the fans respect him for that.”
However, McCoist also warned that managerial changes alone may not resolve the club’s deeper issues.
“Rangers’ problems go far beyond the manager. There’s instability at the top with no full-time chairman, director of football, or chief executive in place. When things are unsettled off the pitch, it inevitably affects what happens on it,” he remarked.
A Critical Moment for Rangers
As Rangers face mounting pressure both on and off the pitch, Clement’s ability to steady the ship in the coming weeks will be crucial. The Europa League clash against Nice and the next few domestic fixtures may determine whether the Belgian manager can retain his position or if the club will seek a new direction.
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