Manchester United 3 Celtic 1

Jul 17 2010

CELTIC boss Neil Lennon admitted he seen enough positives despite watching his side stumble to their second-successive defeat of their North American tour.The Hoops had gone behind to a Dimitar Berbatov strike 10 minutes before the break, but came storming back to draw level through a Georgios Samaras penalty just after the hour.However, Lennon could only watch as his troops conceded two goals in the last ten minutes from Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley.The Celtic manager said: “It was really pleasing tonight. I thought the level of performance was excellent. There were a number of positives to take out of the game. “There was a lot of good football played out there and the players enjoyed the atmosphere and the experience.”The second goal came probably after our best spell in the game. I was really pleased with the response of the players, particularly in the second half. Samaras made a difference when he came on.United, who had been training in Chicago for four days before the game, made a bright start.Paul Scholes released Gabriel Obertan in the second minute but his cross was cut out by Celtic goalkeeper Lukas Zaluska.Then Fabio skipped down the left and sent over a good cross only for Darren O’Dea to head clear.United kept up the pressure and Obertan dragged a shot wide in 10 minutes before Berbatov headed over the bar.Celtic again found themselves on the back foot 19 minutes later when Rafael scampered forward.He picked out Obertan perfectly but the French winger was wasteful, his cross-cum-shot evading Berbatov.The Bulgarian striker was further frustrated on the half hour when his effort went the wrong side of the post.However Berbatov got his reward four minutes later – a cool finish after a superb first touch following a cross from Mame Biram Diouf.Celtic went close to drawing level in 43 minutes, only for Charlie Mulgrew’s shot to rattle the outside of the stanchion.Sub Darron Gibson could have extended United’s lead a minute into the second half but blazed his shot over the bar.Celtic responded and Samaras thought he had equalised in 49 minutes after stepping off the bench. He got in front of goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar and headed firmly into the net but was ruled offside.Back came United and Diouf was bundled over by Mark Wilson just outside the penalty area seven minutes later. However Gibson’s free-kick came back off the wall.Smalling then saw his shot blocked thanks to an instinctive save from Zaluska before conceding a penalty.The new recruit was then penalised for a challenge on Celtic new boy Joe Ledley in 61 minutes and Samaras equalised – firing the spot-kick into the top corner.Celtic were growing in confidence and Marc Fortune smashed in a shot after 75 minutes that Van der Sar did well to parry.However United regained the lead in 79 minutes with Berbatov setting up Welbeck and the sub slid the ball home.It was a good moment for Welbeck who ended the season injured after a loan spell at Preston.His immediate future remains unclear as Sunderland have already declared an interest in taking him on a similar deal.Cleverley then added a third four minutes from time in front of a crowd of 39,139 after his 20-yard shot took a deflection off O’Dea and left Zaluska stranded.

(Daily Record )

Transfer Talk: Friday, July 16 – Seve ‘no’ to Buddies, Killie talk with Boozy, Dundee deal for duo

ST MIRREN have failed to tempt former Aberdeen ace Scott Severin to Paisley on a season-long loan deal. Seve, 31, has opted to fight for his place at Watford. (various)

HEARTS defender Marius Zaliukas is set to hold showdown talks over his future with manager Jim Jefferies. (The Scotsman)

KILMARNOCK boss Mixu Paatelainen has opened contract talks with former Hibs midfielder Guillaume Beuzelin but Chris Innes, also on trial at Rugby Park, will not be offered terms. (The Scotsman)

FALKIRK are considering a move for former Liverpool kid Charlie Barnett, 21. The midfielder is a free agent after his contract expired at Tranmere Rovers. (Daily Express)

LEEDS manager Simon Grayson says he has no intention of bidding for Hamilton midfielder James McArthur (Daily Express)

HAMILTON ACCIES have taken Alex Gramovics on trial. The midfielder spent last season at Clyde. (various)

DUNDEE are set to unveil the signings of former Dundee United ace Stephen O’Donnell and ex-Celtic midfielder Nicky Riley. (various)

DUNFERMLINE have signed ex-Clyde frontman Pat Clarke from Dundee. (various)

EX-MOTHERWELL and Kilmarnock defender David McAuliffe has signed for Stranraer. (various)

(Daily Record )

• Stuart James
• guardian.co.uk, Friday 16 July 2010 22.01 BST
• Article history