It would be asking a lot for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team to live up to the pulsating performance of Thursday when they secured a place in Seville for the Europa League Final on May 18.
They didn’t reach those heights against United in a match that carried significance for the Premiership title race. Anything other than a home win would make mathematically certain the top league title was bound for Celtic Park.
At half-time Benjamin Siegrist had been called into action and his post struck but no breakthrough for the home side. United were seeking a boost to their European ambitions themselves but saw a point denied by a second-half penalty from James Tavernier and a goal from substitute Amad Dillo.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst then used the opportunity to field some youngsters and give more rest to his first-team after an energy-sapping few days.
Here is how his players rated in the 2-0 win.
13. Amad - 7
Brought a gallus air to the second half after replacing Wright at the interval. Suffered several severe challenges but bounced back and gained his winger's revenge with some cheeky flicks against Ross Graham on the right side, and his goal. Photo: Mark Runnacles
14. SUB - Alex Lowry - 5
On for final 25 minutes but though got on the ball, space to create was hard to find. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
15. SUB - Charlie McCann - 5
On with 25 minutes to go and showed confidence and power in the centre of midfield. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group
16. SUB - Adam Devine - 6
Tough act to follow replacing James Tavernier but stepped up in a confident display for the final 25 minutes on the right side. Photo: Alan Harvey - SNS Group