Wanting more United beaten

Allied with the experience of Kevin McDonald.”

As for the game itself, Courts handed a maiden start to Ghanaian teenager Mathew Cudjoe, while Adrian Sporle replaced Scott McMann from the line-up which defeated Motherwell 1-0 eight days prior. Archie Meekison, excellent against the Steelmen, retained his place in midfield despite ex-Scotland international McDonald returning to the match-day squad.

Unsurprisingly, Rangers – fresh from reaching the Europa League final – rung the changes, with Steven Davis, Aaron Ramsey, James Sands, Arfield, Fashion Sakala and Leon King all selected.

With a continental showpiece in Seville and a Scottish Cup final on the horizon for the Light Blues, and Celtic on the cusp of winning the Premiership title, this appeared a wonderful opportunity for United to take something in Glasgow.

However, the attacking threat of Rangers was evident during the opening 20 minutes – as was the brilliance of United goalkeeper Siegrist.

The Swiss stopper made a super low stop to deny Sakala after a loose ball in midfield had allowed the Zambia internationalist to scamper through on goal.

Siegrist then produced an even better instinctive save to thwart Arfield from point-blank range after a slick exchange of passes with Davis.

While United remained resolute as half-time approached, Sakala – a threat throughout – fired inches wide after collecting a stunning 60-yard diagonal pass by Goldson.

Ramsey rattled the post but the assistant referee flagged for offside to ensure that was a moot effort.

Sakala’s personal duel with Siegrist continued after the break, with the forward’s curling drive from the edge of the box parried to safety by United’s No 1.

However, Rangers did finally find a way past Siegrist from the penalty spot.

The keeper clattered into Sakala as the Gers frontman attempted to meet a Ramsey through-ball, resulting in referee Steven MacLean awarding a penalty. Tavernier did the honours from 12 yards.

Deja vu, after losing 1-0 to a Tavernier penalty back in November.

United registered their first effort of note as the hour-mark approached when Liam Smith lashed a speculative drive over the bar from 30 yards.

Rangers almost doubled their lead when Diallo produced a sumptuous flick to leave Ross Graham in his wake before teeing up Sakala.

However, his effort was deflected off-target.

On-loan Manchester United kid Diallo then flashed a shot inches wide.

However, Diallo would not be denied with 12 minutes left on the clock.

Sakala surged forward on the break and slipped a perfect pass to the Ivorian, who fired past Siegrist. Game over.

penalty kick, which James Tavernier converted.