Rangers and Man Utd are mirror image crisis clubs but man with foot in BOTH camps tells why he's not panicking yet

Phil Bardsley believes the break gives Philippe Clement vital time to deliver positive messages that can revive Rangers.

The former Ibrox defender has seen his old side endure a troubled start to the season. Clement’s team entered the opening lay-off for the international schedule on the back of a brutal spell. A disappointing start brought the devastating Champions League exit at the hands of Dinamo Kyiv and, with dropped points to Hearts and Celtic, Rangers are already five adrift at the top of the Premiership.

Clement has faced fierce criticism since the 3-0 Old Firm setback at Parkhead and is under big pressure to turn things around quickly. Bardsley reckons it's a similar situation for Erik ten Hag, boss at another of his former clubs Manchester United. Just in Manchester where the Dutchman has to deal with United’s rivals City rubbing salt into the wounds by ruling the roost, Clement is going through the same painful scenario in Glasgow with Celtic currently champions and the country’s top dogs.

Ten Hag is facing the same fierce flak as Clement for his team’s underwhelming beginning to the season and the home savaging by Liverpool on day Rangers were dismantled in the East End just prior to the internationals placed him under the searing heat of severe scrutiny.

Bardsley knows things have to change before the season gets away from both clubs, but feels this current break in the club-fixture programme can assist in turning the tide and altering fortunes with key messaging being put across by the bosses. He explained: “I think it is tough at the minute for both clubs.

“Obviously, neither side has started the season particularly great, but listen there is a long way to go. The only concern I would have is getting cut