The striker netted with a header early on, before doubling the advantage with an impressive volley to heap the pressure on the defending champions ahead of their own game against Hibernian on Sunday.

Mark de Vries pulled a goal back for United but substitute Jean-Claude Darcheville helped himself to a goal late on to seal the win which keeps the destination of the title in Rangers' hands.

Rangers had failed in their bid to have this match postponed ahead of the clash with Zenit St Petersburg and perhaps they were galvanised by a feeling of injustice at the SPL's decision, or maybe they were simply energised by thoughts of Manchester.

Whatever the reason, there was none of the edginess which had accompanied recent league matches against Hibernian and Motherwell and the deadlock was broken inside seven minutes.

Novo took a tumble under pressure from Mark Kerr and won a free-kick 25 yards out. Kevin Thomson presided over the set-piece and delivered the ball into a packed goalmouth where Novo was waiting at the far post to nod past goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska.

The little striker then claimed his second of the day after 18 minutes. A long ball from goalkeeper Neil Alexander was nodded into the path of Novo by Daniel Cousin and the end product was a superb left-foot volley which left Zaluska with no chance.

The last thing Rangers needed with a European final looming was more injuries and they were dealt a blow when Thomson hobbled out of the action six minutes after the restart with a foot problem, his place taken by reserves skipper Dean Furman.

The visitors did manage to haul themselves back into the game six minutes later, and this time there was nothing wrong with the goal. A Danny Grainger cross from the left found the head of De Vries and he finished well from 10 yards.

Cousin made way for Darcheville and the Frenchman helped himself to a last-minute goal after meeting Barry Ferguson's pass and slotting home to seal another vital win.



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