Here's how the players performed:
RANGERS
STEVE SIMONSEN: Deputising for the concussed Cammy Bell, the Englishman could do nothing for first two United goals but blundered badly at the third to kill off Rangers' hopes. 4/10
RICHARD FOSTER: Looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights as he gifted the ball to Nadir Ciftci in the build-up to United's second. 4
BILEL MOHSNI: Nervy display from the Frenchman as he gave away possession time and again. Lucky not to concede a penalty when he barged into Ciftci just before half-time. 5
LEE McCULLOCH: The Rangers captain was culpable as he was caught ball watching for Armstrong's goal. 5
STEVEN SMITH: Curled home a free-kick to give Rangers belief just before the break. 6
FRASER AIRD: Replaced by Nicky Clark with just under half an hour left despite being Rangers best performer as he provided menace down the left. 7
IAN BLACK: Passing accuracy was below par as Light Blues struggled to keep hold of possession. Booked for row with Armstrong. 5
NICKY LAW: Inadvertently hit the bar with a cross but all too often lacked composure under pressure form the United midfield. 5
ARNOLD PERALTA: On basis of first-half display, it is hard to believe Honduran might go to the World Cup. Better after half-time. 5
DEAN SHIELS: Glaring miss went put clean through on Radoslaw Cierzniak with game still goalless. 5
JON DALY: Should have scored against his old side with Rangers 1-0 down but blazed horribly over. 5
Substitutes
NICKY CLARK (on 64, for AIRD): Struggled to get himself involved in Rangers' attacks. 3
DUNDEE UNITED
RADOSLAW CIERZNIAK: Went down in stages as he was beaten by Smith's set-piece but made amends with reflex save when another free-kick from the Rangers defender took a wild deflection. 6
MARK WILSON: Hooked after an hour just moments after picking up a booking for a foul on Shiels. Replaced by Keith Watson. 6
JOHN SOUTTAR: Played in Armstrong for the goal with a header in behind the Ibrox side's back four and looked steady dealing with Shiels. 6
GAVIN GUNNING: Had to wrestle with Daly a few times but coped well overall with the physical test. 7
ANDY ROBERTSON: Young full-back was busier in the second half as Peralta upped his game but still did not look ruffled. 6
PAUL PATON: Snapped at Black and Law's heels every time they got near the ball. Energetic display. 7
JOHN RANKIN: Looked far stronger than his opposite numbers in the Rangers midfield. 7
STUART ARMSTRONG: Kept a cool head to put United ahead and was involved in their second too. Less involved after the break, though. Cautioned after spat with Black. 8
RYAN GAULD: Quiet day for the Scotland Under-21 international. Replaced by Dow midway through second half. 5
GARY MACKAY-STEVEN: Got lucky with the second goal when his mis-hit shot bounced over Simonsen. Came close to a fourth for his side near the end. 7
NADIR CIFTCI (pictured): Will never score an easier goal after Simonsen's gaffe presented him with an empty net. A great shift. 7
Substitutes
KEITH WATSON (on 61, for WILSON): Added solidity to United's backline. 3
RYAN DOW (on 67, for GAULD): Did not see much of the ball. 2
MORGARO GOMIS (on 86, for ROBERTSON): On for the final stages. 1
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