Ferguson ‘vindicates Cavenagh and 49ers’ — Rangers confirmed XI v Dundee United
Rangers have confirmed their starting lineup as they face Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday.
Ibrox hosts Jim Goodwin’s team on 14 May, in what may be Barry Ferguson’s final home game in charge of the Gers.
Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises are close to completing their takeover of the Light Blues, and Gretar Steinsson has been tasked with finding a new permanent manager.
While Ferguson would seemingly like to continue at the Bears beyond this season, the US consortium could potentially be vindicated in their decision to look for someone else after the interim manager’s decision against the Tangerines.
Cyriel Dessers starts for Rangers v Dundee United
Ferguson has made two changes to his starting lineup as the Gers face Dundee United, it’s been confirmed on X (14 May).
Jack Butland replaces Liam Kelly in goal while Hamza Igamane starts in place of Nedim Bajrami.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 33 | 15 | 2 |
The interim manager’s insistence on starting Cyriel Dessers has been baffling in recent months.
With the Nigerian ace in the team, other players have arguably suffered, making the former Scotland international’s decision to stick by him poor.
Dessers will lead to Ferguson downfall at Ibrox
Ferguson has heavily relied on Dessers since taking interim charge of the Gers from Philippe Clement.
The Nigerian striker had lost his place in the starting lineup under the Belgian manager, with Igamane bursting onto the scene.
A purple patch, and Danilo’s injury, just before Clement’s sacking saw the former Cremonese centre-forward retain his place in the pecking order.
While Dessers’ goalscoring numbers at Rangers this season have been decent, fans would still rather see him dropped to the bench.
Igamane hasn’t seen regular game time under Ferguson, and that’s something the ex-midfielder has got wrong during his managerial stint.
The interim manager’s insistence on incorporating the Nigerian striker in the starting lineup has arguably led to the Moroccan youngster’s struggles.
Clement had his best spell this season with the 22-year-old centre-forward and Ianis Hagi in the team, but Ferguson hasn’t shown faith in either.
The interim manager has also made some puzzling calls by starting Bajrami in recent matches, and the prospective new owners are right to look for a new head coach.
Davide Ancelotti has been heavily linked at Ibrox, but it remains to be seen who the next permanent manager will be.