In theory and in the circumstances, it was a point gained. In truth, it was another two blown and lost by Rangers. The gap to Celtic has increased, with Hearts dropping points at home against Kilmarnock, as has the anger amongst a scunnered support that have become thoroughly sick of this squad.
Zac Sapsford capitalised on the latest episode of dodgy Rangers defending this term to burst clear and finish well to give United the lead. It didn't last long, however, as Jayden Meghoma scored for the first time in the professional game with a thunderous effort from 25 yards.
Rangers had their chances but couldn't find the moment to take the lead. United did not have that issue and Amar Fatah put them ahead with 25 minutes remaining. Nedim Bajrami snatched a point with a last-minute penalty.
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Gap widens once again
Rohl could point to the collection of 13 points from his first five Premiership matches as a solid return given the state of affairs that he inherited and the situation that he walked into when he replaced Russell Martin. A stalemate at home to Falkirk can never be accepted, though, and it was an example of a result catching up with sub-standard performances.
The reduction of the deficit to Hearts was a positive, of course. Yet Rangers took to the field at Tannadice seven points behind Celtic, the side who must still be considered as their main rivals for the title this term. They ended the evening further behind both. Thoughts of a challenge for the silverware are fainter now than at any time of Rohl's reign and Rangers remain behind Motherwell.
The theory of late has been that Rohl just needed to somehow haul this underperforming team and squad that is not fit for purpose to the sanctuary of the January transfer window. That was always going to be easier said than done, and there is no certainty that Rangers will do the business that is needed to ensure the second half of the season is an improvement on the shambles that has been served up to this stage. It is a miracle that is needed at Ibrox.
Rohl will continue to plot the plan for the window alongside chairman Andrew Cavenagh, who was in attendance at Tannadice alongside interim CEO Fraser Thornton. It would have hit home to the American, once again, just how unfit for purpose this squad and side are.
No quality, no conviction in final third
The clearest chances – before and after the United opener – fell to those who Rohl had put in the team to convert them. Danilo’s strike at the end of a Rangers break lacked any quality or conviction. Bojan Miovski was guilty of the same failings, unable to convert a Bajrami cross when free in space just six yards out.
The goal arrived from an unlikely source. Connor Barron’s shot was blocked and the ball broke to Meghoma. The strike was pure, precise and powerful. Dave Richards was well beaten as the ball rifled to his left and Meghoma wheeled away to celebrate his first goal for the club.
Chance creation and chance conversion have been persistent issues this term. Once again, Rohl’s side found themselves in promising positions but were unable to capitalise. The final pass was just not there too often and the openings that were carved out were squandered.
The first chance of the second half saw Richards fail to properly deal with a Bajrami strike that dipped on its way towards the keeper. Danilo saw his overhead kick come back off the bar.
The flow of the match was the same with Rangers 2-1 down as it was with the scores level. Rohl’s side had the possession and the territory, but they did not have the finishing touch. A header that Youssef Chermiti failed to even find the target with summed up the wastefulness in so many ways. Bajrami's penalty was well converted as Rangers salvaged something with the final kick of the ball.
Goals are gift-wrapped for United
Take nothing away from the finish from Sapsford. The dink over Jack Butland from an ever-tightening angle was an accomplished and clinical bit of play. But he should never have found himself in the situation where he was advancing down the right channel into a shooting position.
Manny Fernandez got too tight to Sapsford on the halfway line. Despite his giant frame, the defender was turned too easily and he never looked like regaining the ground. The outcome was inevitable as Rangers were punished.
Nikolaj Moller almost compounded the problem a couple of minutes later as he glanced a header just wide of target. Nasser Djiga was outshone in the laughably bad stakes by Fernandez in the opening stages but did his best to get back in the running as he allowed Amar Fatah the opportunity to shoot. Butland saved on that occasion.
Goodwin must have sensed the opportunity for him to earn his first victory over Rangers as a manager. Butland denied Iurie Iovu with a terrific save to get a hand to a header but United kept the move alive and Amar Fatah finished well from 18 yards. Again, the efforts to prevent the chance opening up were lamentable from a Rangers perspective.
Squad limitations laid bare once again
Rohl opted to make three changes to the side that were held by Falkirk on Sunday. Two of those that supporters have been calling to be given a chance still had to wait, however. Meghoma, Djeidi Gassama and Danilo returned to the team, but there was no place for Lyall Cameron or Findlay Curtis. Rohl has spoken about the situations regarding both players over the last week but again opted to start them on the bench despite the form of those ahead of them.
The loss of Oliver Antman for eight weeks with a muscle injury has come just days after Rohl confirmed that Mikey Moore faces a spell out of action. The wide areas – like every component of this team, to be fair – needs addressed and utilising Bajrami from the left is not the answer for Rohl, especially when it means that Gassama has to operate from the right.
There was an understanding of Rohl’s position on his arrival at Ibrox. A couple of months on, supporters do not need reminding of the paucity of the resources at the German’s disposal. This was yet more evidence of just where Rangers are. This is a mid-table team in every sense. Introducing Max Aarons, Mohamed Diomande and Chermiti did not inspire confidence in the away crowd.
Mixed emotions on Raskin
The news on Raskin’s contract that was exclusively revealed by the Rangers Review this week was greeted in two ways by supporters. Firstly, it was viewed positively that the Belgian is tied to the club for 12 months longer than expected and is not out of contract in the summer of 2027. Secondly, the feeling was that Raskin had to significantly raise his levels given where his form has been of late. An honest, self-critical member of the squad, the man himself would acknowledge that he needs to have a greater influence on matches than he has been.
His first half here was similar to Connor Barron, his midfield partner, as Rangers struggled to gain a foothold or any control in the middle of the park. There was endeavour off the ball, but a lack of quality on it. Raskin couldn’t get a firm enough connection on a header to trouble Richards, while Barron had to at least hit the target after being picked out by Gassama on the edge of the area.
Raskin had licence to get forward, but that left Barron exposed. The vice versa was also true on occasion. A Raskin pass cut open United, but Gassama and Danilo couldn’t finish the move.
His evening ended early as Diomande took his place for the closing stages. Raskin’s frustration had been evident at various points of the evening. This was another one that did not go to plan.
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