Rangers begin Premiership season with McInnes despite ban

Rangers travel north to Tannadice Park for the opening match of the 2026‑27 Scottish Premiership, facing Dundee United. The fixture marks the first competitive appearance for new Rangers manager Derek McInnes, who will be in the dugout despite a four‑match suspension imposed by the Scottish Football Association for comments on a VAR decision in a previous season. Rangers have lodged an appeal against the sanction and are permitted to have McInnes lead the team for this game. Dundee United finished last season in the relegation round, while Rangers ended the previous campaign in third place after a series of playoff defeats. The match serves both as the season opener and as a test of McInnes' ability to steer the team amid the disciplinary issue.