The Light Blues, who are embroiled in a hectic end to their season, take on Motherwell at Ibrox on Wednesday then welcome the Tannadice side to Govan in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League just three days before their Euro final at the City of Manchester Stadium.

After Rangers' goalless draw against Hibernian at Easter Road on Sunday, which began a run of eight games in 21 days for the Govan club, Ibrox boss Walter Smith again criticised the SPL for not offering them any help to prepare for their first European final in 36 years.

A further plea for help on Monday by Rangers was knocked back although it is understood that SPL executive chairman Lex Gold and the Ibrox club are still trying to find a solution.

A spokesman for the SPL said: "We had a request from Rangers earlier in the day to have the Dundee United game postponed.

"We have not been able to agree to that request.

"Postponing that game would have a knock-on effect for the rest of the programme.

"We would have to move all the top-six fixtures to end the season with all the teams playing at the same time."