Directed deer set running (7)
I believe the answer is:
steered
'directed' is the definition.
('steer' can be a synonym of 'direct')
'deer set running' is the wordplay.
'running' indicates anagramming the letters.
'deer'+'set'='deerset'
'deerset' is an anagram of 'STEERED'.
(Other definitions for steered that I've seen before include "given the push" , "Went on a course" , "Guided a vehicle" , "given guidance" , "taken the helm" .)