O’Neill’s Third Coming: Celtic Thrash Dundee United to Go Second

Hoops climb to second, just three points behind leaders Hearts, after commanding display.

Martin O’Neill produced a familiar kind of matchday at Celtic Park - commanding, energised, and ultimately triumphant - as he guided Celtic back to second place in the Scottish Premiership with a 4–0 win over Dundee United. Only 33 days after handing the reins to the now-sacked Wilfried Nancy, the returning club legend needed just ninety minutes to remind supporters what control and conviction look like in green and white.

From the moment O’Neill emerged from the tunnel prior to kick off, a tangible sense of renewal rippled through the stadium, after last week’s 3-1 defeat to city rivals Rangers. Celtic played like a side intent on rediscovering their identity, and by half-time the result was barely in doubt.

Yang Hyun-jun broke the deadlock midway through the first half when his low drive took a slight deflection before zipping past Richards. O’Neill’s men were suffocating Dundee United with relentless pressure and intent. Arne Engels made it two just five minutes later, latching onto Kieran Tierney’s darting cross to finish with calm precision from close range.

United offered the occasional flicker of resistance, most notably when young striker Owen Stirton capitalised on Auston Trusty’s lapse to steal through on goal, but hesitation cost him. Liam Scales, alert to the danger, sprinted back to make a crucial last ditch tackle that typified Celtic’s renewed defensive steel. Beyond that, Jim Goodwin’s visitors struggled to find any rhythm or respite.

The second half unfolded much like the first with Celtic attacking with confidence, leaving United chasing shadows. Benjamin Nygren pounced on a loose ball to make it three just minutes after coming off the bench, before Daizen Maeda rounded off the scoring after Richards spilled a shot from Sebastian Tounekti. For O’Neill, it was the perfect return, a performance brimming with control, intensity, confidence, and the kind of ruthless finish missing from Celtic’s game under Wilfried Nancy.

The result lifts Celtic within three points of league leaders Hearts and ahead of Rangers on goal difference with a game in hand before Danny Rohl’s side travel to Pittodrie on Sunday. While Hearts travel to face Dundee at Dens Park.

For the first time in over a month, Celtic Park felt alive again, and with O’Neill back at the helm once more, there is real belief among the players and supporters alike once again.