On what was a cold, damp winters day, neither team looked likely to score after an uneventful first-half but when the opening goal finally arrived on 67 minutes, the floodgates opened and Rangers finished the match in style.
Prior to the game, the manager admitted in his pre-match press conference that the current injury crisis at the club is the worst in recent history and he had to make several changes to his starting line-up.
Fernando Ricksen, Nacho Novo and 17-year-old right-back Alan Lowing were all included and, with Bob Malcolm and Sotirios Kyrgiakos out through suspension, Ian Murray moved into the centre of defence alongside Marvin Andrews.
United started the match confidently and were close to opening the scoring after only three minutes. Collin Samuel used his pace to ghost by Steven Smith and his dangerous cross hit off Murray’s net and flew inches over the bar.
The Gers’ defence looked shaky in the early stages and Alan Archibald blasted a free-kick high and wide from 20 yards after Andrews had climbed over Jim McIntyre to win a header.
McLeish elected to play Novo on the left side of his midfield and the Spaniard created the home side’s first real chance when he danced past two United defenders before finding Ferguson in the 18yard box. The captain’s shot however took a deflection before going out for a corner-kick.
Despite this effort, United continued to look the team most likely to break the deadlock and Waterreus had to be lively to palm away a low drive from Mark Wilson. The ball landed at the feet of Samuel and although his shot was again well saved, referee Charlie Richmond had already blown for offside.
In what was a rather scrappy first-half, Rangers then looked almost certain to take the lead when Novo and Buffel combined well on the left and the latter found Ferguson who had darted into the penalty box. His shot had power but Derek Stillie produced a stunning stop to stun the Ibrox faithful who were already off their seats ready to celebrate.
The first-half finished goalless but the Gers’ supporters were given something to cheer about when new signing Kris Boyd walked out onto the hallowed turf during the interval.
This brought the stadium to life and Mcleish decided to shake up his team when he replaced Nacho Novo with Steven Thompson on 56 minutes.
Thommo moved into attack alongside Lovenkrands with Buffel moving to left wing.
Rangers were starting to show a bit more urgency by this stage although goalscoring opportunities for either team were few and far between.
It was something of a surprise therefore when the Light Blues took the on 67 minutes.
Alan Lowing played a deep cross into the United box and Thompson rose to head the ball back across goal.
Lovenkrands sclaffed an overhead kick and when the ball fell to Buffel he made no mistake by lashing the ball into the net.
The relief on the Gers’ bench was palpable and for the first time in the match McLeish was able to raise a wry smile to his assistant Andy Watson.
The goal was just what the doctor ordered and Rangers started to produce some excellent football.
Chris Burke, in particular, began to see more of the ball and was unlucky not to have scored his side’s second when he ran at defender Stuart Duff before unleashing a fierce shot which rattled the side netting.
The manager’s decision to bring on Thompson was inspired and it was fitting that the big striker doubled his side’s advantage on 82 minutes.
Buffel played in a teasing cross form the right-wing and Thompson, who was recently linked with a move to Aberdeen, rose above the to power a header by Stillie.
Rangers then wrapped up the three points four minutes later when Lovenkrands made it three with a glancing header after great play again from Burke.
RANGERS: Waterreus, Ricksen, Buffel, Andrews, Ferguson, Novo (Thompson 56), Burke, Murray, Lovenkrands, Smith, Lowing
Subs Not Used: Klos, Rae, Jeffers, McKenzie, McCormack, Campbell
Bookings: Murray (45), Novo (47) Ricksen (62)
DUNDEE UNITED: Stillie, Wilson, McCracken, Archibald (Miller 75), Kerr, McIntyre, Robson, Duff, Fernandez, Samuel (Cameron 35), Ritchie
Subs Not Used: Samson, McInnes, Kenneth, Robertson, Goodwillie
Bookings: Robson (18), McCracken (33), Archibald (64)
Referee: Charlie Richmond
Attendance: 49,141
Man of the Match: Chris Burke