SCOTTISH CUP:RANGERS PLUNGED deeper into crisis after crashing out of the William Hill Scottish Cup yesterday. Goals from Gavin Gunning and Johnny Russell secured a 2-0 win for Dundee United at Ibrox.

Ally McCoist’s men had already exited the Champions League, the Europa League and the Scottish League Cup, meaning the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title is now their only hope of silverware this season.

Lack of resources for Rangers up front following the deadline day departure of Nikica Jelavic was painfully evident as they ended this tie with a front pairing of Salim Kerkar and Andrew Little – one player who has never started a game for the club and another who has been injured for the best part of the last 18 months.

In front of a crowd of just 17,822, Russell had the ball in the net for United after a couple of minutes but the effort was disallowed when referee Willie Collum ruled goalkeeper Allan McGregor was fouled by Jon Daly.

At the other end, Sone Aluko had a go from distance after collecting from David Healy but dragged the shot across the face of goal and wide of target.

United were celebrating after 15 minutes when Gunning met a Gary Mackay-Steven cross and sent a firm header past McGregor. The visitors scored again after 35 minutes when Dixon slipped the ball into the path of the unmarked Russell and he rifled high past the grasp of McGregor.