Jim Goodwin has been urging his Dundee United squad to approach the upcoming clash with Rangers without a hint of intimidation, insisting that the team must "lay down a marker" as they step onto the pitch at Tannadice Park. The match, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, marks the opening fixture of the Scottish Premiership season and pits the Tangerines against the Ibrox side on Friday night. For Rangers, the game also carries significance, as it will be the first competitive outing for newly appointed manager Derek McInnes since he took over the helm at the club. Goodwin, however, is confident that the Rangers side will not present any unexpected challenges, drawing on his extensive experience of facing McInnes during his previous managerial stints at Aberdeen and Hearts.
"I've managed against Derek McInnes' teams numerous times in the past and Derek's had great success at all of the clubs that he's managed at playing a certain way," Goodwin explained to Sky Sports News. "I'm not expecting Rangers to be a great deal different from his Hearts team or even the way his Aberdeen team set up a few years ago. What they have got is very talented players within their squad but our approach to the game has got to be one of no fear." Goodwin emphasized the importance of setting the tone early in the match. "We've got to go and set the tone nice and early.
It's our first game at home at Tannadice in front of our own supporters and I think it's a really good opportunity for us to go and lay down a marker," he said, highlighting the psychological edge that a confident start can provide. The Dundee United manager also touched on the club's broader ambitions for the season. After completing nine summer signings, Goodwin is aiming to improve on last season's seventh‑place finish. "The objective at the start of any league campaign for a club like Dundee United is to try and secure top six as early as possible and then to try and give ourselves a chance of going and competing for those European places," he added.
Reflecting on his first season in charge, Goodwin recalled a successful fourth‑place finish that earned the club a spot in European competition. "In my second season here, we enjoyed a fourth‑place finish. We had a good run at it in Europe, we enjoyed the travelling and the support has certainly travelled in great numbers.
That's what we're hoping to try and achieve again this season," he said. The manager acknowledged that the previous campaign ended in disappointment, with the team slipping to seventh place. "Seventh place was a disappointing finish for us. I felt we had enough to go and get top six.
Unfortunately, we just fell a little bit short but we've taken good learnings from last season. Hopefully, we can go one step further this time around and make sure that come the time of that split, we're amongst those teams fighting for Europe," Goodwin concluded.
The upcoming encounter therefore represents more than just a season opener; it is a statement of intent from Goodwin and his side. By urging his players to discard any fear and to assert themselves from the first whistle, the manager hopes to signal that Dundee United are ready to compete at a higher level. The match also offers a chance for the newly assembled squad to gel, test the tactical ideas introduced during pre‑season, and begin building the momentum needed to challenge for a top‑six finish and, ultimately, a place in European competition.
Fans can tune in to watch the Scottish Premiership live on Sky Sports, and those interested in the broader league action can also stream the competition via NOW. The atmosphere at Tannadice is expected to be electric, with home supporters eager to see their team take on one of the league's traditional powerhouses. As Goodwin puts it, the night offers a perfect platform for Dundee United to "lay down a marker" and set the tone for what could be a promising campaign. In addition to the on‑field tactics, Goodwin highlighted the importance of the club's off‑field growth.
The nine new signings reflect a strategic approach to strengthening the squad depth, addressing key areas that may have been lacking in the previous season, and adding fresh competition for places. By blending experienced professionals with promising young talent, Goodwin aims to create a balanced team capable of adapting to different match situations and sustaining a high level of performance throughout the long Scottish Premiership calendar.
Ultimately, the manager's message is clear: fear has no place in the dressing room or on the pitch. By embracing confidence, setting an early tempo, and capitalising on the support of their fans, Dundee United hope to start the season on a positive note and keep the momentum rolling toward a top‑six finish and a possible return to European football.