Lawrence ShanklandImago

Rangers fans say the same thing about Lawrence Shankland after what he did vs Dundee United

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

01 Aug 2026, 2:41 pm

Lawrence Shankland’s debut appalled Rangers fans on Friday as their new captain failed to make an impact in their 1-1 draw against Dundee United.

Derek McInnes was unable to get off to a winning start at the Old Firm club as the Tangerines forced them to settle for a point at Tannadice Park.

It was the fourth season in a row that Rangers were unable to win their opening match of the Scottish Premiership season, with the result being an early blow to their title hopes.

Numerous players heavily underperformed in Dundee, but perhaps none were as bad as Shankland.

The striker, who was made Rangers’ new captain this week, did nothing up top throughout the match and was largely anonymous.

As a result, many fans were outraged at the performance, as the Gers once again got their campaign off to a lacklustre start.

Rangers fans unimpressed with Lawrence Shankland vs Dundee United

Shankland’s arrival at Ibrox was meant to finally end Rangers’ woes up top.

In the 2025-26 campaign, the club had no consistent striker, with Youssef Chermiti being the only player to hit double-figure goals at 15 in all competitions.

However, given that Shankland had scored goals for fun at Hearts for years, his addition to the squad was seen as the end of the club’s striker concerns.

Yet, against Dundee United, he did nothing throughout the entire 90 minutes he was on the pitch.

This was quickly picked up by Rangers fans, who were furious that their new star striker was so ineffective against a team that finished in the bottom half last season.

Shankland has been awful here.

It can’t be a case that he has to play because he’s captain, he’ll score goals no doubt, when he’s not though he looks like he’ll contribute little.

Not the only one, some really bad performances.
— Jaegermaster (@RRRfcBKG72) July 31, 2026

Woeful. Rangers need a creative midfielder and an actual winger. Shankland, Dan Neil, and McRorie were awful. Passing also needs to be better

Aasgard and Fernandes the only ones playing at all. Improvements need to be made https://t.co/NXQNJQDH9v
— JH (@HeepsyStature) July 31, 2026

Shankland was awful throughout, if that’s fully fit, we need a new fitness coach. Miles of it, second to every ball, press was so easy to pass around.
— Karl Morrison (@KarlM22) July 31, 2026

This is the sort of game where Shankland has to do the business.
The lack of quality is clear
— Jim Cook (@Yojimbo56) July 31, 2026

Shankland wasnt good btw
— 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝟏𝟗𝟑𝟕 (@RanGers1937) July 31, 2026

Very poor last night.
— The Rangers Rover (@TheRangers31211) August 1, 2026

I know we all love him but can we agree Shankland has been absolutely atrocious
— JF 🇬🇧🏁🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇩🇪 (@RFCNUFC23) July 31, 2026

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How bad was Shankland vs Dundee United?

According to Fotmob on 1 August, Shankland was very poor against Dundee United.

The striker only completed 76 per cent of his passes, had just one shot on target, had a 0.33 xG, nine touches in the opposition box, created zero chances, was dispossessed once and only won 13 per cent of his aerial duels.

Therefore, Shankland will need to heavily improve ahead of the upcoming clash against Jagiellonia Bialystok in the Europa League qualifiers.

If not, he could soon find himself dropped from the starting XI if this poor form continues.

Derek McInnes