4 hours Ago By [email protected] (Ross Pilcher, Anthony Evans)
Philippe Clement is under serious pressure again at Rangers after their latest fumble against Dundee United. The big Belgian was lost for words after watching his side drop points for already the fifth time in just 12 games. The 1-1 draw, Vaclav Cerny bailing them out after Sam Dalby's first half opener, was met with a chorus of boos and leaves them an unthinkable 11 points behind leaders Celtic .
Clement fumed after the game and admitted his team have gone backwards since last season. But that honesty only goes so far in the eyes of punters who hold him responsible. It's unclear if Ibrox decision-makers are considering a change at this stage - perhaps higher on the list of priorities is finalising moves for their new chairman and CEO, with major developments on those fronts late last night .
But the boss looks a beaten man and it's approaching the point of no return. Will he get the chance to respond against Nice on Thursday? Or have Rangers fans seen the last of him on the touchline? Stick with us to find out LIVE. Boss Kevin Muscat's assistant Vincenzo Ierardo insists the focus of the gaffer remains on Shanghai Port - despite revived speculation over a move to Rangers .
The Australian missed out on the Ibrox hot seat last year after Michael Beale was shown the door and held talks with the Scottish Premiership giants after winning the J-League in 2022 and finishing second in 2023 Yokohama F. Marinos. However, the club opted to go for Philippe Clement who is facing persistent questions over his long-term future at the club - with the latest blow to the Belgian coming after Dundee United took a point away from Govan to end Rangers' perfect home record this season.
It has been a very different story for Muscat who has followed up his Super League title victory by claiming the Chinese FA Cup with a 3-1 win over Shandong Taishan just hours before the Light Blues' meek draw with United. But it appears there is still more to achieve. Honest Philippe Clement reckons the Rangers of last season would have beaten Dundee United on Saturday - and is 'frustrated' his current team couldn't.
Boos rung out around Ibrox with an hour-long delay to kickoff only the start of it on a miserable day for those of a light blue persuasion. The visitors took the lead after United striker Sam Dalby was left in acres of space by the Rangers defence during a lethargic first half performance by the hosts. Vaclav Cerny would pull his side level after the break, but that was as good as it got on a day the Ibrox side let more points slip and handed Celtic the chance to put more daylight between the Glasgow rivals.
Clement threw on Ianis Hagi and Danilo at the break but neither could inject enough lift into the game to completely turn it around. And Clement wasn't pulling any punches after the latest stumble in a season fans are growing tired of already. Fuming Jack Butland didn't hold back after Rangers' draw with Dundee United as they let more points slip through their fingers.
And some fans reckon that the brutally honest interview came with a swipe at Philippe Clement with previous post-match comments being taken as jabs between the two. The pressure cranked up a notch on the Belgian after the Light Blues lost their perfect Scottish Premiership home record at the hands of Jim Goodwin's men. And captain Butland - who took the armband with James Tavernier sitting on the bench - couldn't hide his frustration while speaking to Rangers TV after the game .
Well, maybe not if you're a Rangers fan. The Scottish premiership actio returned but it was another laboured, uninspiring display from their team. A 1-1 home draw with Dundee United saw the Light Blues fall 11 points behind their rivals at the top of the table and there is now serious pressure on Philippe Clement.
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