An injury time goal from substitute Jason Scotland maintained United's home record to shatter Rangers. Having appeared to be in control, the visitors saw the Trinidad star come off the bench to score twice, the final goal, a thumping 14 yard shot finishing off a Mark Wilson cross.
The Tangerines had got off to the perfect start with only 41 seconds on the clock. After Fernando Ricksen had fouled Barry Robson, Wilson curled in an inviting free-kick. While the visitors defence stood still thinking the ball was going out, the ex-Gers striker, Billy Dodds ghosted in behind to side foot the ball in past the bemused Allan McGregor.
But the lead only lasted five minutes when Stephen Thomson grabbed the equaliser. Chris Burke was given the freedom of the right wing before he hit a low cross which the ex-Tannadice favourite managed to reach before David McCracken and stab the ball home from eight yards.
It was an all action opening. McCracken, who had struggled from the first minute, then unnecessarily pulled down Stephen Hughes in the penalty area. Although it appeared to be a soft decision, Thompson immediately volunteered to take the penalty. The striker then coolly sent Paul Gallacher the wrong way.
The United defence continued to struggle with the width of the Rangers formation. A deep Burke cross in the 21st minute was left by the United defence when they did not realise Michael Mols was at the back post. Fortuitously for the Tangerines, the Dutchman smacked the ball off the post from four yards. Five minutes later, the Rangers captain for the day was forced to leave the field when he appeared to pull a hamstring.
Ten minutes from the break, sheer brilliance from Charlie Miller allowed Derek McInnes a clear shot on goal but he shot straight at the keeper. This was followed by a strong shout for a penalty by the United faithful.
But Rangers extended their lead two minutes from the break with United's central defence sleeping at a long de Boer free kick. Although Gallacher brilliantly blocked substitute Hamed Namouchi's first attempt, the keeper could not prevent the follow-up.
Opening the second period, McLaren was too slow in reacting to Miller's ball with only the keeper to beat before Gavin Rae was stretchered off after an accidental clash.
With 58 minutes on the clock, it was game on when sub Scotland pulled a goal back. McLaren's header was missed by Michael Ball and Scotland chested the ball down before wheeling and drilling in from 12 yards.
It should have been all square ten minutes later when McLaren headed wide from in front of goal when it seemed easier to score.