Rangers fans get first taste of incoming manager Kevin Muscat | OneFootball

Shanghai Port beat Qingdao Hainiu 4–3 in a frantic Chinese Super League clash, and Rangers fans studied every detail. The match felt like a live audition for Kevin Muscat. Crucially, Kevin Muscat Rangers set the tone with bold, front foot intent, showing the kind of mentality that could soon light up Ibrox.

How the goals really fell

At first, Qingdao struck on 11 minutes through Didier Lamkel Ze. However, Port answered instantly on 14 minutes as Gabriel levelled from close range. Then, Leonardo put Port ahead on 31 minutes with a ruthless finish. Yet, Qingdao equalised again on 37 minutes when Lamkel Ze pounced. Crucially, Port restored control on 40 minutes as Leonardo netted his second. After the break, the match became even more chaotic. Eventually, Li Xinxiang made it 4–2 on 89 minutes with a calm strike. Nevertheless, Qingdao hit back on 90 plus 5 through Song Wenjie. Finally, the whistle went at 4–3. The minute tags told the story of chaos, recovery, and ultimate control.

Tactical lessons for Ibrox

Importantly, Muscat trusted speed over sterile possession. While Port had only 47 percent of the ball, they always carried the sharper threat. Consequently, the press looked coordinated and brave throughout. Full backs stepped high, and midfielders rotated quickly to sustain momentum. For Rangers, that approach brings genuine hope. Indeed, Ibrox has groaned at slow, predictable passing all season. Instead, this plan values movement, intent, and directness. Players commit forward in numbers, creating pressure from every angle. Although risks exist, the rewards look clear when execution stays clean and confident.

What this could mean in Govan

Above all, the mentality stood out most. Even after conceding first, Port never panicked. They equalised fast, then retook control before half time. Therefore, that resilience will please the Ibrox crowd. Rangers must rediscover that habit in tight Premiership matches. Furthermore, Muscat managed momentum well. He adjusted shapes and roles without hesitation. Subtle changes tilted territory back to Port whenever Qingdao threatened. Consequently, game management should improve at Rangers under his watch.

Meanwhile, fitness will matter with this style. Because the press demands repeated sprints and quick recovery, players must embrace intensity. However, the upside is obvious. When ball recoveries arrive higher, chances come quicker. As a result, supporters can expect a front foot identity again. They saw a preview of that here, and the blueprint clearly fits the demands at Ibrox.

A glimpse of the near future

Ultimately, this win kept Port top under pressure, and that context mirrors life in Glasgow. Expect noise, passion, and scrutiny every week. Therefore, Kevin Muscat Rangers can meet those demands if the squad buys in fully. The evidence suggests players enjoy his clarity and purpose. Consequently, confidence grows when the plan creates chances.

For now, Rangers wait for the final step. The audition impressed everyone watching. Kevin Muscat Rangers delivered aggression, precision, and belief. If this game foreshadows life at Ibrox, then the future looks genuinely exciting.