Jim Goodwin is urging his Dundee United squad to approach the upcoming clash with Rangers without any hint of intimidation, insisting that his side must "lay down a marker" as they kick off the Scottish Premiership season at Tannadice Park on Friday night. The match will also serve as Derek McInnes's first competitive appearance in charge of the Ibrox outfit, but Goodwin is confident that his players can handle the challenge, drawing on his extensive experience of facing McInnes during his tenures at both Aberdeen and Hearts. Speaking to Sky Sports News, Goodwin reflected on his history with the Rangers manager. "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," he said.
He added that he does not anticipate a radical departure from the style McInnes employed at Hearts or the way his Aberdeen side was organized a few years earlier. "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," Goodwin explained.
What Goodwin does expect, however, is a squad at Rangers brimming with talent. "What they have got is very talented players within their squad," he observed, before turning the focus back to his own team.
"Our approach to the game has got to be one of no fear. We've got to go and set the tone nice and early." He highlighted the significance of the fixture being the first home game of the season for United, played in front of their own supporters. "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," Goodwin said.
The atmosphere at Tannadice is set to be electric, with fans eager to see how the newly assembled Dundee United side will perform. So far, Goodwin has overseen nine summer signings, a clear signal that he is intent on improving on last season's seventh‑place finish. The manager outlined his ambitions early in the campaign, stating that the primary objective for a club of United's stature is to secure a top‑six position as soon as possible. "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 explained.
Goodwin reflected on his previous season, which saw United finish fourth and enjoy a respectable run 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. He acknowledged that the seventh‑place finish the year before was a disappointment. "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," Goodwin admitted. Looking ahead, the manager is determined to push United one step further.
He wants the team to be firmly in the mix when the league reaches its split, fighting for the coveted European qualification spots. "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," he concluded. Beyond tactics and ambition, Goodwin emphasized the mental aspect of the game.
He believes that a fearless mindset will allow United to dictate the tempo and challenge Rangers from the first whistle. By establishing an early rhythm, the Tangerines can force the Ibrox side onto the back foot, potentially exposing any lingering uncertainties in McInnes's new setup. The upcoming match also offers a platform for the new signings to showcase their abilities.
With nine fresh faces added to the squad, Goodwin expects them to integrate quickly and contribute to a cohesive unit capable of competing against the league's traditional powerhouses. He hinted that the blend of experience and youthful energy could be the catalyst needed to elevate Dundee United's performance. Fans can watch the encounter live on Sky Sports, where the Scottish Premiership will be streamed as part of the network's coverage.
The game promises to be a compelling opener for both clubs, setting the tone for what could be an exciting season of Scottish football. Goodwin's message to his players is clear: approach the game with confidence, play without fear, and seize the chance to make a strong statement against a formidable opponent.