Derek McInnes admitted that Rangers’ error-filled performance cost them a victory on the opening day of the Premiership season, as they drew 1-1 away at Dundee United at Tannadice.
Lachlan Rose bundled the hosts in front just before half-time, and despite Rangers improving after the break, Thelo Aasgaard’s leveller was as good as it got for the visitors. United’s Jesse Randall had the best chance to win it late on but chipped the ball straight into the arms of goalkeeper Ivor Pandur.
McInnes said he was disappointed with much of what he saw on his competitive debut as manager. He said the goal conceded was unnecessary and that small errors throughout the match gave Dundee United encouragement and made the game harder than it needed to be.
“It was just the little basic mistakes, the bitty mistakes and silly decision-making,” McInnes said. “All that does is it gives them encouragement, it takes you further back, and it all of a sudden starts to look a bit more difficult than it was.”
The Rangers manager was also frustrated that his side failed to push on after Aasgaard’s equaliser. McInnes said the desire to get the leveller was clear, but felt it dropped away when it came to finding a winner.
“The desire to get the winning goal wasn’t quite the same as the desire to get the equaliser,” he said, “and I’m disappointed that we never kept the shoulder to the wheel.”
Despite having signed eight players ahead of the new campaign, McInnes said the performance showed more additions were needed urgently, with important league and European fixtures ahead.
The main bright spot was Aasgaard, who cut short his post-World Cup break after representing Norway, including scoring against France. McInnes praised the midfielder for his attitude and the confidence he carried back from the tournament.
Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin said his side were not getting carried away with the point, having wanted all three, but acknowledged it was an important result to open the season.
