Early strides suggest United in for exciting race

[BBC]Friday night felt like the start of something.

>A point against Rangers might not sound spectacular on paper, but anyone inside Tannadice knows United deserved to come away with plenty of credit. There was intensity, energy and - most importantly - an identity.

>Five league debutants and a new-look side meant plenty of question marks before kick-off. Yet as the game settled, United grew into it.

>The opening goal was superb. Josh Rawlins, Jesse Randall, Zac Sapsford and Lachlan Rose, the Thunder from Down Under combination, carving Rangers open with a move that deserved to be finished and thankfully was. Not a 30-yard screamer but they all count.

>Rangers responded after the break as you would expect from a side chasing the title and Jack Walton showed exactly why Jim Goodwin was so keen to bring him back.

>United dug in and weathered the storm and then came the chance.

>Randall will probably replay it in his head for the next week. Daniel Bennie's pass was outstanding, Randall was clean through, and on another day we're talking about a big opening-night victory.

>It wasn't to be, but one missed chance shouldn't overshadow an excellent all-round display.

>Jim Goodwin was right afterwards. It is one point, not three. Nobody should be getting carried away. But if that's the standard this team can produce against one of the league favourites then there is every reason to be encouraged.

>The season is a marathon, not a sprint. But the early strides out of the blocks suggest this could be an exciting race.

>Ronny Costello can be found at the Dode Fox Podcast