Forget the new signings – Nygren shows he’s Celtic’s main man

Celtic’s 4‑0 victory at Dundee United not only sends the Bhoys into the Premier Sports Cup last‑16 but also demonstrates that, forget the new signings, Benjamin Nygren remains the decisive factor for the side. The result secures progress and sets up a Champions League play‑off against LASK.

Nygren proves indispensable

The Swede entered the match having scored in each of Celtic’s opening two league games against Dundee and Kilmarnock, and he added another goal to his tally at Tannadice. Nygren also delivered two assists, including the killer pass that unlocked Camilo Duran’s strike, and his own 63‑minute finish capped the scoring. His influence mirrors last season’s output of 21 goals in all competitions.

Auston Trusty opened the scoring, and Nygren’s early involvement set the tone for the visiting side. After Trusty’s diagonal run, Nygren’s cross found Camilo Duran, who netted his first goal since arriving from Qarabag in a £5.5 million deal. Nygren then supplied the decisive pass for Sebastian Tounekti’s third‑minute strike.

United threatened to stay in the game, rattling the woodwork five times and forcing goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo into two crucial saves. The Tannadice side’s relentless attacks highlighted a defensive vulnerability that Celtic will need to address.

Looking ahead to Europe

Published: 21:00 BST, 15 August 2026 | Updated: 21:11 BST, 15 August 2026. The win gives Martin O’Neill’s side a comfortable platform for Wednesday night’s Champions League play‑off first leg against LASK at Parkhead.

Celtic also used the occasion to grant minutes to new midfielder Mika Baur, signed from SC Paderborn, and Egyptian winger Hassan, further expanding the squad ahead of the European clash.

Despite the comprehensive victory, the five strikes on the woodwork serve as a warning that further reinforcements may be required at Parkhead to sustain success in upcoming competitions.