Different manager, same Rangers – Steven Smith questions mentality after Dundee United draw

This is certainly not the first time Rangers’ mentality has been called into question. For nearly a decade, there has been frequent criticism from fans and critics.

Martin, who was sacked two weeks ago, also participated. So did Barry Ferguson during his caretaker tenure last season.

Former Rangers striker Billy Dodds, who was part of Ferguson’s backroom, told BBC Scotland earlier this week: “There’s no real stand-out captain, although there’s a captain and a vice-captain, there’s a leadership group.

“I think the boys have to come together, but they can’t do much. It’s up to the club hierarchy to sort out the managerial situation and get a strong figure there who will be a leader.”

Kevin Muscat is expected to be that man, but Smith has not commented on the potential arrival of the Shanghai port boss – or his future.

Regardless, fixing Rangers’ weaknesses poses a major challenge to whoever will be the next permanent manager.

While the team’s first-half display on Saturday highlighted the potential of this new-look team, the fragile mentality ran deeper as the week went on.