Dundee U 0 – 2 Rangers

Rangers beat Dundee United at Tannadice to maintain Michael Beale’s unbeaten run as manager.

Fashion Sakala volleyed in the opener in the second half with Malik Tillman adding a second three minutes later as Beale made it five wins and a draw since taking charge.

Dundee United had the best of the early chances with Steven Fletcher and Liam Smith going close but they could not find a goal.

The victory means Rangers are back to nine points behind leaders Celtic while Dundee United remain 11th, three points above bottom side Ross County.

Rangers’ second half showing secures victory

Beale got his first sight of Antonio Colak since becoming manager, the Croatia striker back for the first time since November 9 after recovering from calf problems.

Jon McLaughlin took over from Allan McGregor in goal with midfielder Ryan Jack in for Glen Kamara, while United striker Tony Watt dropped out for Steven Fletcher, who was back from illness.

The former Hibernian, Wolves and Sunderland forward caught the eye in an otherwise nondescript start to the match, including a shot on the turn from the edge of the box in the 18th minute which flew over the bar.

The visitors had not shown much before that, aside from a Colak drive comfortably saved by United keeper Mark Birighitti.

In the 21st minute Fletcher came close with a volley from a Glenn Middleton cross, albeit referee Steven McLean awarded a corner which appeared to hit the arm of Rangers defender Connor Goldson – subject of a controversial handball penalty incident recently against Celtic which went unpunished – but there was no VAR check.

McLaughlin soon had to deal with a dangerous cross from Middleton with John Lundstram completing the clearance.

United were well-organised and disciplined and a counter-attack in the 41st minute ended with defender Liam Smith curling a shot from the edge of the box just past the post, following a move he had instigated by robbing Colak, who was replaced by Alfredo Morelos for the start of the second half.

Rangers almost took the lead in the 49th minute when Sakala stole in at the back post to reach a Borna Barisic cross but his volley was blocked by Birighitti.

McLaughlin saved another decent drive from Fletcher before the Govan men got the breakthrough in the 54th minute.

Barisic’s pass down the left was flicked on by Jack and Sakala took a steadying touch inside the box before firing high past the Tannadice keeper.

United were still processing the blow when, after Birighitti had made a close-range save from Sakala, Tillman fired rebound into the net from just inside the box and belief was sapped from the home side.

In the 78th minute Gers striker Kemar Roofe replaced Tillman to make his first appearance since October after recovering from injury to give an added boost to the Ibrox outfit.

Beale: Colak injury a blow

Rangers manager Michael Beale speaking to Sky Sports:

“The only downside to today was losing Antonio Colak to an injury at half-time.

“He just felt a problem in the lower part of his calf, so in his Achilles. It’s a different injury so it is really frustrating for him.

“He can’t catch a break at the minute. We don’t think it is anything major, but we didn’t want to take any risks.

“I was delighted with the performance. We had a lot of control in the first half but we lacked a little bit of quality in the final third.

“That’s what we spoke about at half-time, about passing and running off the ball. We scored two goals and I am delighted.

“Jon McLaughlin’s had very little to do – it is a difficult place to come but defensively I thought we looked quite strong.

“With each game I am starting to see a bit more rhythm and cohesion in the attack.”

Fox: We are making progress

Dundee United head coach Liam Fox on Sky Sports:

“We are disappointed we lost the game. First half we were in the game, we were causing Rangers a few problems.

“Disappointed with how we started the second half and then Rangers scored their two quick goals and it becomes difficult after that.

“The start of the second half is something we need to take a look at. We’ve got to give credit to Rangers because I thought they started very well and made it difficult for us.

“With the quality they’ve got, those two quick goals make it difficult for us.

“Positives to take for us from the first half but the game lasts for 90 minutes, not 45 minutes.

“I feel like we have made progress, we will keep working tirelessly to get to where we need to get to.”

What’s next?

Rangers’ attention turns to the League Cup with a semi-final against Aberdeen next Sunday at Hampden Park.

Their next Scottish Premiership match is on Wednesday January 18 away to Kilmarnock, live on Sky Sports. Kick-off 7.45pm.

Dundee United are away to Hibernian in the league on Saturday. Kick-off 3pm.