Kent Struggles And New Signing Looks Way Off The Pace: 4 Key Takeaways From Rangers’ Defeat To Dundee United

Rangers lost for the first time in 40 league matches against Dundee United yesterday afternoon, and it was a deserved defeat.

While, in isolation, losing at Tannadice should not be too concerning, it comes off the back of the disappointing performance versus Malmo, and there are now some worrying trends developing.

United didn’t have to do a lot to secure their 1-0 victory, and while it can be argued that a lucky bounce of the ball got them their winner, manager Micky Mellon got his tactics spot on.

Press the next page as we go through four things we learned about the Light Blues’ first loss of the season.

1) Lundstram Needs To Improve Fast

It was the second successive poor showing from the Englishman, who seems to be struggling with the intensity needed to play in Rangers’ midfield three.

Every new signing needs time to bed in so Lundstram will get a period of grace, but the Gers can’t afford to be carrying anyone, especially in a crucial area of the pitch.

2) Morelos Has To Get Up To Match Sharpness

With Kemar Roofe absent due to personal reasons, the Colombian was thrown back into the starting lineup earlier than expected, and it certainly showed.

Morelos had a couple of openings in the first half he should have done better with, although it must be said he wasn’t given a great deal of service. He will be looking to get up to speed as soon as possible.

3) Kent Put In One Of His Worst Displays In A Rangers Shirt

When your key playmaker is arguably the worst player on the pitch, it is really difficult to come away with a positive result. Kent struggled to control the ball and was unable to fashion any chances.

Manager Steven Gerrard will be glad that he will have Ianis Hagi back in contention for tomorrow’s crucial Champions League qualifier second leg against Malmo to lift some of the pressure off Kent.

4) Gerrard Has To Read The Riot Act To Ensure Complacency Doesn’t Settle In

The Light Blues boss said he would spell out some “home truths” to certain players following the defeat to Dundee United, and he will be fully justified in doing so.

It was telling that the team rarely got out of first gear at Tannadice, lacking the intensity and desire that saw them win the league last campaign. They need to rediscover their fight and energy if they are to retain the title.

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