Neil McCann has expressed strong criticism of Rangers following their 1-1 stalemate against Dundee United, questioning Philippe Clement's decision-making regarding substitutions and the team's overall attacking strategy.
During his analysis on BBC Scotland's Sportscene, the former Scotland winger highlighted several concerning aspects of Rangers' performance.
McCann pointed out the absence of a viable alternative attacking strategy, particularly evident as they sought a late winner, indicating that the Light Blues appear to be lacking in creativity and direction in front of goal.
Sole striker Cyriel Dessers was replaced by Danilo at the break after another disappointing showing, which did start an improvement.
Dundee United initially commanded a first half lead through Sam Dalby before Rangers equalised on 66 minutes thanks to Vaclav Cerny but failed to find another goal which ultimately contributed to more lost ground in their quest for the Scottish Premiership title.
The draw, combined with Celtic's victory later in the day, leaves Rangers trailing by 11 points in the league standings, underscoring their struggles to convert opportunities and the impact of missed chances this season.
“It intensifies the pressure, I have to say," McCann said during the Saturday night highlights show.
"There's lots to get into about Rangers' performance…we will look at the goal that they concede but I'm concerned about the chances they create.
Read more:
“You expect Rangers to create chances and dominate the play at Ibrox, but that's not good enough; St Mirren have scored more goals, Dundee have scored more goals, Aberdeen, Celtic...
“So there's evidence there that they're not doing enough. There's not a variation in their attack. There's not enough quality coming from their left side and it’s almost predictable and one dimensional.
"Cerny grabbed that game by the scruff of the neck today, you’re looking at the subs, the last eight, nine minutes — John Souttar is playing as a secondary striker. Now if you are making your last sub and you are bringing Bajrami off and putting Igamane on to play on the left. Why not why not put Igamane up top.
"Dundee United are sitting in, you’ve got one of the best crossers of the ball that this country’s ever seen in James Tavernier, sitting on the bench. So, replace Sterling with Tavernier because you’re going to dominate the ball, you get two strikers on, and you go try and find a winner.
“I think today he got it wrong [tactically] at the end, absolutely. It's almost like he's changing personnel but it needed a change of attack. I don’t know if John Souttar has been told by Philippe Clement and his coaching staff to go and stand up front for the last eight minutes, but I’d much rather have a striker in there. A secondary striker and someone who can deliver ball's.
“I just think today there wasn’t enough, for me, to say that this Rangers side are capable of totally dominating teams when they come to Ibrox and that is a concern.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel