Rangers Defender Under Fire From Derek Ferguson: Should The Club Drop Him? | OneFootball

Rangers face a defensive selection call before Sunday’s derby after 25-year-old Emmanuel Fernandez came under fire for his form. Ibrox News reported criticism after former Rangers player Derek Ferguson spoke on the Open Goal podcast on 10 September. Ferguson questioned Fernandez’s concentration, calling him “lazy” and “too slow”, while praising Olwethu Makhanya as a “proper defender” who shows the focus he wants from a centre-back.

Speaking on Open Goal on 10 September, Ferguson said, “Is it lazy? Then that sums him up, doesn’t it? Just lazy. Losing concentration at times.

“See the boy Makhanya, proper defender. He’s everything that Fernandez isn’t. You can actually see him; his mind is wandering. I think he’s too slow.”

The concern grew after Rangers’ 1-0 win over St Mirren, when Fernandez caught Ismeal Kabia inside the box. St Mirren said Kabia took a sore one from the defender’s studs, while former referee Bobby Madden later argued Rangers should have conceded under UEFA guidance.

Fernandez made another risky pass during the match, although Rangers held on for a fourth straight win. Rangers have kept four clean sheets in 11 games, leaving Derek McInnes with a major decision before the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final against Celtic.

Should Rangers drop the 25-year-old before Celtic?

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – DECEMBER 30: Emmanuel Fernandez of Rangers is seen warming up during the Premier League match between Rangers and St. Mirren at Ibrox Stadium on December 30, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Yes. Ferguson’s criticism sounds severe, but the recent evidence gives it enough weight to merit a change. Fernandez featured for 90 minutes against St Mirren and Rangers won, yet the penalty incident showed why concentration matters in an Old Firm match, where one careless touch can swing the contest.

The Falkirk game raises the alarm further. Fernandez was caught out of position before the move that produced an own goal, then nearly gifted Falkirk a second after trying to pass across his own box. Those errors are more significant than a poor pass because they expose gaps in defensive decision-making.

Who should Rangers pair with Olwethu Makhanya?

McInnes should break the partnership and give Makhanya a calmer, quicker defender beside him. Rangers have won four in a row, so changing a central pairing is risky, but keeping Fernandez because the team is winning would ignore the pattern developing behind that record. Makhanya has looked disciplined and reliable, and Rangers need someone beside him who reacts early, protects space and stays switched on.

James Penrice could offer one solution in a narrower defensive role, although a natural centre-back would probably bring less disruption. Celtic have dangerous sharp attackers such as Kasper Høgh and Benjamin Nygren, and Rangers can’t afford hesitation.

For Rangers, the question isn’t whether Fernandez can recover his form. It is whether McInnes can accept another lapse in a derby where the margin for error becomes microscopic.