He set up the opening goal for Lorenzo Amoruso in 22 minutes and was instrumental in Shota Arveladze’s strike in 72 minutes. In between times Barry Ferguson scored an excellent goal to make it a highly satisfactory day for the Ibrox men.
It’s five years since Rangers last lost a league match at Tannadice and on the evidence of this game it will be at least the same again.
The Ibrox men were streets ahead against Alex Smith’s youtful side who battled valiantly but recognises that they were dealing with a team from a different level.
The only surprise was that Rangers had only managed to put themselves two up by half-time such was their superiority and the number of chances they created.
Inspired by the artistry of Mikel Arteta, Rangers fully indicated the difference in class between the two sides to consolidate their place at the top of the SPL table.
As early as the opening minute, Rangers made their intentions clear when Arteta’s flick on was collected by Shota Arveladze who tried a snap shot from the edge of the box but Paul Gallacher was right behind it.
There was an even better opportunity a minute later when Warren Cummings was dispossessed by Kevin Muscat and the Australian full back had all the time in the world to pick out de Boer and Arveladze in the box.
Crucially, his cross went behind the Rangers strikers but it did make its way to Peter Lovenkrands who hammered a left foot shot which flew jut past the right hand post.
Lovenkrands headed Arteta’s freekick over the bar in six minutes. Then Amorusp headed the Spaniard’s corner past the post in 14 minutes as Rangers pinned United in to their area.
De Boer brilliantly played in Muscat in 16 minutes but for the second time the former Wolves defender’s cross was desperately disappointing and Jim Lauchlan was able to clear.
McLeish must have been bemused that his side had not taken the lead by this stage but the opening goal was not long in coming.
Danny Griffin crudely brought down Fernando Ricksen in 22 minutes, Areta played in a excellent free kick from 40 yards out and Amoruso rose to glance a great header into the left corner.
In fairness, United almost retaliated immediately. Maurice Ross lost possession to United’s young striker Stephen O’Donnell and all of a sudden Rangers were exposed.
O’Donnell picked out Steven Thompson in the middle and the Scotland star seemed certain to score but Stefan Klos made a superb save at the striker’s feet.
That was about the best effort United had in a match where they were chasing Rangers for most of the time. Indeed, the big surprise was that it took Rangers until first half injury time to forge further ahead.
It was sheer quality from de Boer which led to the strike as the Dutchman delayed releasing the ball until just the right moment when Barry Ferguson came storming into the box to scream a first time shot into the top left corner.
Rangers were equally in control after the break but were perhaps guilty of being over elaborate at times when hitting the danger zone.
Ricksen shot wide and Lovenkrands also missed the target after good build-up play but Rangers finally produced a third goal in 72 minutes and it was a good moment for Arveladze.
The Georgian star had been having a bit of a frustrating time in front of goal so he was thrilled to finally get back on the score sheet.
It was an excellent move as Claudio Caniggia played a lovely little give and go with Arteta whose return pass was just perfect for the Argentinian star who got behind the United defence on the right side.
Caniggia drove over a low cross, Shot hit it first time and Gallacher blocked but the Rangers star followed up to stab home the rebound and Rangers’ superiority was confirmed.
The victory came at a price as de Boer limped out with a knee injury after 66 minutes but hopefully he will be fit for Thursday’s Euro return and, of course, next Sunday’s eagerly anticipated Old Firm game.
DUNDEE UNITED: Gallacher; Duff, McCracken, Lauchlan, Cummings; Easton, Miller (Lilley 68), Griffin, Wilson (Paterson 76); Thomson, O’Donnell (Gunnlaugsson 81).
Subs not used – Jarvie, McCunnie.
Bookings: Easton (59), Duff (76)
RANGERS: Klos; Muscat (Konterman 76), Moore, Amoruso, Ross; Ricksen, Ferguson, Arteta; de Boer (Caniggia 66), Arveladze, Lovenkrands.
Subs not used – McGregor, Dodds, Latapy.
Bookings: None
Ref: John Rowbotham.
Att: 10,013.
Man of the Match: Mikel Arteta