Super Eagles watch: Emmanuel Fernandez rated high as Rangers draw in SPFL opener

Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez delivered an impressive performance as Rangers began their 2026-27 Scottish Premiership campaign with a 1-1 draw against Dundee United on Friday night, Soccernet.ng reports.

It was a frustrating start to Derek McInnes' reign as Rangers manager, with the Gers dropping points in their opening league game of the season instead of setting the early pace in the title race.

Lachlan Rose gave Dundee United a surprise first-half lead before Thelo Aasgaard equalized shortly after the restart to ensure both sides shared the spoils.

Dundee United vs Rangers: What happened?

Rangers went into the match looking to make a winning start under new manager Derek McInnes, who replaced Danny Rohl during the summer.

The visitors began brightly, with summer signing Lawrence Shankland forcing an early save after a clever backheel effort. However, Dundee United gradually settled into the contest and began to threaten.

The breakthrough came in the 38th minute. Jesse Randall delivered a dangerous cross into the box, Zac Sapsford cleverly stepped over it, and Lachlan Rose was perfectly placed to finish from close range and give the hosts a 1-0 lead heading into half time.

Rangers responded well after the break and found their equaliser through Norwegian midfielder Thelo Aasgaard. The midfielder struck a superb left-footed effort to level the score and bring the visitors back into the game.

Both teams created opportunities to snatch a winner, but Dundee United came closest. Randall found himself in a promising position late on but failed to convert when he should have scored.

The match eventually finished 1-1, with both teams taking a point from their opening league fixture ahead of the rest of the weekend's Scottish Premiership action.

Super Eagles watch: Fernandez shines in defence

Despite the disappointing result, Emmanuel Fernandez was one of Rangers' standout performers.

The Super Eagles defender played the full 90 minutes and produced another commanding display at the heart of the defence, showing why he was voted Rangers' Player of the Season last season and earned a place in the PFA Scotland Team of the Season.

The 25-year-old appeared to respond well to McInnes' pre-match challenge, putting in a defensive masterclass throughout the contest.

Fernandez finished the game with 17 defensive contributions, the highest of any player on the pitch. He also completed 79% of his passes, won 93% of his aerial duels and recorded nine headed clearances in an outstanding all-round performance.

The Super Eagles star’s display earned him a 7.6 Sofascore rating, making him one of the highest-rated players on the night.

Rangers will return to action on Thursday when they face Polish side Jagiellonia Białystok in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round. Fernandez will be hoping to continue his impressive form and help the Gers secure a positive result.