Fashion Sakala and Malik Tillman sacked Rangers for a win over Dundee United

Rangers were hot after half-time to overcome Dundee United 2-0 in their Premiership win at Tannadice.

The visitors were under par in a goalless first half but two strikes in just over two minutes from Fashion Sakala and Malik Tillman soon after the second half eased tensions and allowed the Gers to look at the game with control and confidence.

Michael Beale has now won 16 points from 18 as Light Blues boss since taking over from Giovanni van Bronckhorst in November as his squad gets stronger week by week.

However, an in-form Celtic are still nine points clear of their fierce rivals at the top of the table, while boasting a vastly superior goal difference, and they remain overwhelming favorites to retain their title.

Liam Foxs improved United’s side to just losing one of five games prior to the visit of Rangers and, while they remain second bottom of the table, they could take help from their first-half display.

Beale saw Antonio Colak for the first time since becoming Gers boss, the Croatian striker back for the first time since November 9 after recovering from a calf problem.

Jon McLaughlin replaced Allan McGregor in goal with midfielder Ryan Jack replacing Glen Kamara, while United striker Tony Watt came off for Steven Fletcher, who returned from illness.

The former Hibernian, Wolves and Sunderland forward caught the eye in an inconspicuous start, including a shot from the edge of the box in the 18th minute that flew over the bar.

The visitors had little to show for it, aside from Colak’s shot which was easily saved by United keeper Mark Birihighitti.

In the 21st minute Fletcher almost volleyed in from Glenn Middleton’s cross, although referee Steven McLean awarded a corner which appeared to hit the arm of Rangers defender Connor Goldson the subject of a recent controversial handball penalty incident against Celtic which went unpunished but there has been no scrutiny. VAR.

McLaughlin soon had to deal with a dangerous cross from Middleton with John Lundstram completing the cleanup.

United were well organized and disciplined and a counter-attack in the 41st minute was capped off by defender Liam Smith’s curling shot from the edge of the box just past the post, following a move he made to rob Colak, who was replaced by Alfredo. Morelos for the start of the second half.

Rangers almost took the lead in the 49th minute when Sakala robbed the ball at the back post to reach Borna Barisic’s cross but his volley was blocked by Birighitti.

McLaughlin saved another decent drive from Fletcher before Govan’s men got the breakthrough in the 54th minute.

Barisics’ cross down the left was turned in by Jack and Sakala had a fine touch in the box before firing high past the Tannadice keeper.

United were still processing that streak when, after Birighitti saved from close range from Sakala, Tillman fired a rebounded shot at goal from inside the box and the confidence was waning from the home side.

In the 78th minute Gers striker Kemar Roofe replaced Tillman for his first appearance since October after returning from injury to give the Ibrox side an extra boost.