DESPITE 2–2 DRAW, RANGERS HELD TO 2–FANS BLAME DEFENDER AND DEMAND IMMEDIATE CHANGE

Rangers were held to a frustrating 2–2 draw against Dundee United at Ibrox, leaving supporters in a state of growing discontent. The home side twice fell behind during the match, only to claw back points late on, but it was their defensive frailties that dominated the conversation after the final whistle.
Despite a late Goal from captain James Tavernier in the 87th minute that salvaged a point, many fans left the stadium expressing frustration, particularly with the team’s inability to protect their own goal. The match highlighted the ongoing challenges Rangers face in defending against counter-attacks and maintaining consistency at the back.

Rangers took the lead through T. Aasgaard in the 25th minute, looking comfortable in control. However, the game quickly turned against them in the second half. Central to the frustration was D. Cornelius, the 23-year-old centre-back on loan from Marseille, who misjudged a routine cross in the 66th minute, allowing K. Trapanovski to equalize for Dundee United. Just nine minutes later, C. Sibbald put the visitors ahead, capitalizing on further lapses in concentration and positioning.

Rangers managed to salvage a point when J. Tavernier converted a late opportunity into a goal, but Cornelius’s struggles once again drew attention, underlining the challenge he has faced in adapting to the tempo and physicality of Scottish football

The frustration among supporters quickly spilled onto social media. Fans were vocal in their disappointment, with phrases such as “send him back” and “worst signing ever” trending across platforms. One fan wrote:

“Every game it’s the same  Cornelius loses focus and costs us points. He’s not Rangers quality.”

Another added:

“We can’t keep waiting for him to settle. It’s affecting the whole defence, and we’re dropping unnecessary points.”

The criticism reflects growing concern among supporters over Rangers’ defensive consistency this season. The club has conceded multiple goals from routine situations, and errors like Cornelius’s continue to frustrate fans who have high expectations for a team with championship ambitions.

Interim manager Steven Smith, who stepped in after the recent managerial change, defended his player during the post-match press conference. Smith emphasised that defensive responsibility is a collective effort and urged supporters to show patience.

“It’s unfair to single out one player,” Smith said. “We win and lose as a team. D. Cornelius is still adapting to our style and the league. He’s young, and the only way he’ll improve is with experience and confidence, not criticism.”

Despite Smith’s defence, the mood among supporters suggests patience is wearing thin. Many feel that action must be taken quickly if Rangers are to maintain their challenge at the top of the Scottish Premiership. The draw against Dundee United has amplified concerns about defensive frailties that have been apparent in recent weeks, and fans are already looking ahead to the January transfer window for reinforcements.

Cornelius’s journey from Marseille to Glasgow has been a challenging one. At 23, he was expected to add composure, strength, and technical skill to Rangers’ back line. Instead, the physicality and speed of Scottish football have exposed weaknesses in his positioning and decision-making. With three appearances for the Gers and repeated errors, his loan spell is at a critical juncture, and the next few matches may define his future in Glasgow.

Rangers now face a crucial period in the Premiership where defensive stability will be paramount. Interim manager Smith must decide whether to continue backing Cornelius or explore alternative defensive options to protect the team’s ambitions. For the young Canadian, every performance in the coming weeks carries weight  both for his development and his standing with the Ibrox faithful.

For supporters, the 2–2 draw against Dundee United is a stark reminder of the challenges that remain. While the team showed resilience to earn a point, the defensive lapses and Cornelius’s struggles overshadowed the positives. Until improvements are made, frustration at Ibrox is likely to continue, and the pressure on both the player and interim manager Steven Smith will only intensify.