Rangers 0 Dundee United 2: Ruthless Tangerines pile more pressure on Ibrox men
Dundee United dumped Rangers out of the Scottish Cup thanks to a stunning performance that was as comfortable as it was convincing.
Johnny Russell celebrates bagging United's second goal. Below: Gavin Gunning rises highest to open the scoring on a miserable day for Ally McCoist and Rangers.
- By Neil Robertson
- Published in the Courier : 06.02.12
- Published online : 06.02.12 @ 10.18am
Peter Houston's side eased through to this afternoon's quarter-final draw courtesy of two first-half goals by the recalled Gavin Gunning and Johnny Russell.
The expected backlash in the second 45 from the defending SPL champions never materialised — capping a miserable week for the Light Blues which saw them lose top-scorer Nikica Jelavic to Everton and financial uncertainty continue.
The home support was noticeable only for its absence, with a paltry 17,822 crowd inside Ibrox as the Rangers fans voted with their feet to show what they think of the current turmoil at their club.
However, the Glasgow outfit's problems should not be allowed to detract from United's achievement in winning in Govan.
A delighted Peter Houston admitted he was concerned that after establishing their first-half lead, his side would sit back too much in the second 45.
He said: ''I thought we went at Rangers right from the off and scored two good first-half goals. Sometimes when you have a 2-0 lead, you sit back a bit and that can invite trouble. But I didn't let them do that in the second half. I was on at them constantly to keep squeezing up.
''I think we stopped Rangers from creating the chances they are capable of. We got into their faces and stopped them playing. I also felt we were dangerous on the counter-attack.
''I still think my priority is to secure a top-six place in the SPL but we look forward to the cup and it is great for the fans, who were terrific today.''
United goalscoring hero Russell revealed Houston had told the players to set a high tempo to unsettle Rangers.
He said: ''I was a bit surprised by the low crowd but I thought our fans that travelled through were magnificent.
"I wouldn't say it was a comfortable win as it was a very hard game. The gaffer told us to get into their faces straight away and not to let them get their passing game going.
''I'm just glad that we got the result. We'll now look forward to the draw and just take it each round as it comes.''
Russell, who was linked with a possible move to Rangers' Old Firm rivals last week, added: ''It is good to hear that other clubs are interested in you, especially massive ones like Celtic. But the best place for me right now is Dundee United. I still have so much to learn in the game and I am really happy here.''
A grim-faced Rangers boss Ally McCoist admitted the continuing uncertainty surrounding the club and its ongoing tax case with HMRC was crippling Rangers.
He said: ''It was a really disappointing day and I thought the defending at both goals was really, really poor. But you have to give credit to Dundee United. We lacked a wee bit of quality to open up United and that was also disappointing.''
When asked if there was a crisis at Rangers now, he said: ''I think the crisis point comes with the tax case. I think that is the biggest problem the club faces. We need clarification on what's happening so we can move forward.''
Continued...
11.40pm - 06.02.2012 Mev - Elgin, UK Report This
Well done United for an easy victory! What about the crowd though? There was a fair sized section of United supporters so close on 30,000 glory hunters were missing at Ibrox. So much for 'follow follow' eh?
12.25pm - 08.02.2012 IY - Edinburgh, Scotland GB Report This
Great victory for United. But let's keep this in contect. Scottish football is rubbish.
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