Celtic beat Dundee United in convincing fashion as the Bhoys celebrated Martin O’Neill’s return with a Parkhead goalfest.
As well as scoring four goals, Celtic kept a clean sheet as O’Neill reverted to a back four to keep the defence tight.
First-half goals from Hyunjun Yang and Arne Engels put the Bhoys on easy street at Celtic Park as O’Neill’s team bullied the Taysiders.
The second half was much of the same as Celtic doubled their lead with substitute Benjamin Nygren making an immediate impact with Daizen Maeda adding Celtic’s fourth.
And as the Celtic supporters head home from Parkhead happy and confident that the title race is back on, 67 Hail Hail delivers our player ratings as Dundee United head back to Tannadice to think again.
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Who is Celtic’s Man of the Match vs Dundee United?
Celtic player ratings vs Dundee United as the Bhoys get revenge for Tannadice defeat
Kasper Schmeichel – 6
The big Danish goalkeeper really didn’t have much to do apart from a first half scare where Schmeichel plucked the ball out of the air to rescue an early Auston Trusty mistake. A good confidence-boosting performance.
Julian Araujo – 6
Araujo earned his first Celtic start after his short appearance in last week’s Glasgow Derby. Passing was on point and even mustered a shot on goal. Wasn’t troubled defensively. Subbed for Donovan in the 60th minute.
Auston Trusty – 6
An early mistake was the only black mark on Trusty’s performance. The US international looked steady, calm and composed as the Celtic backline returned to their settled four.
Liam Scales – 8
The Irishman was immediately placed into the Celtic starting XI for O’Neill as Scales was given a huge vote of confidence. He immediately repaid his manager’s faith by creating an assist for Yang’s goal and looked solid in the heart of the Hoops defence alongside Trusty.
Kieran Tierney – 8
Another solid performance for Tierney as he picked up where he left off under O’Neill six weeks ago. Not tested defensively, the fullback assisted Arne Engels’ goal, created three chances and even had a shot on goal.
Arne Engels – 8
The Belgian bounced back from the disappointing Rangers result with a great goal as Engels scored his fourth goal of the season. Offered a good attacking threat and created a couple of chances.
Callum McGregor (c) – 7
The Celtic captain looked like the player of old as McGregor controlled the midfield. The Hoops skipper was allowed to play his own game and looked back to his best in the win.
Reo Hatate – 5
The Japan midfielder created Celtic’s midfield trio but, in truth, Hatate never really had much influence in the game. Had two attempts on goal but never troubled the Dundee United keeper. Starting place is up for grabs after this performance.
Hyunjun Yang – 8
The South Korean looks a different player and has really come into his own as Yang looks like the only Celtic player who is unaffected by all the recent turmoil. Took his goal superbly as the winger offered a very good attacking threat on the right-hand flank. Named the Man of the Match.
Sebastian Tounekti – 7
The Tunisian returned from the African Cup of Nations and was immediately installed into O’Neill’s starting XI. Tounekti was always a threat on the left and gave Krisztian Keresztes a torrid time. His shot created the chance for Maeda to pounce for Celtic’s fourth. Replaced by James Forrest on the 72nd-minute.
Daizen Maeda – 7
The Japanese striker had a fairly quiet game and never really threatened the Dundee United defence. Maeda had three shots in total as one hit the woodwork in the first half. Showed a real striker’s instinct for his goal and Celtic’s fourth. Replaced by Johnny Kenny on the 72nd minute.
Colby Donovan (sub) – 5
The young defender was preferred by O’Neill to Ralston as the Celtic boss gave Donovan a big boost. Wasn’t troubled defensively as the Hoops dominated offensively. Never allowed a pass to go astray as the fullback put in a good performance.
Benjamin Nygren (sub) – 7
Made an instant impact after replacing the disappointing Reo Hatate, Nygren scored less than three minutes after coming on as a 60th-minute substitute. Looks very confident and has been a very astute signing by Celtic this season.
James Forrest (sub) – 5
Replaced Tounekti as Forrest made his 550th appearance for Celtic in the Dundee United mauling. Had a late shot on target but never really got the chance to make an impression as the game petered out.
Johnny Kenny (sub) – 5
Almost scored with his first touch after replacing Daizen Maeda, Kenny was given 20 minutes to show what he could do. An 83rd minute shot was saved when the young Irishman was through on goal. Decent run out for the striker.
Luke McCowan (sub) – 5
McCowan replaced Hatate as the young Scot made his 67th appearance for Celtic. Never really troubled the United defence.
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