Most Celtic fans would have been positive that the Hoops were going to win against Dundee United, despite the game being away from home and it would have been viewed as an upset if Ange Postecoglou’s side ended up dropping points. But even the most enthusiastic supporter could not have foreseen the Bhoys walking out with a 9-0 victory.
It was just Angeball at its very best and Dundee United were unlucky enough to come up against it.
The home side had actually looked dangerous early on in the game but after Celtic took control of it, they just did not let go and as ridiculous as it sounds, some people might even be a bit disappointed that they did not score 10 on the day, just for the novelty of it. Kyogo and Liel Abada both managed to score hattricks while Jota, Josip Juranovic and Carl Starfelt also got their names on the scoresheet.
It goes without saying that this was a heavy blow to take for Jack Ross and the Dundee United manager does not seem to be brushing it under the carpet. As reported by the Daily Record, he told Sky Sports:
"“I don’t think (the players) should be protected from the criticism. I’m hugely protective of my players and I own the responsibility, because it’s my shoulders it falls upon, but you can’t run away from it. Every player should feel embarrassed and humiliated and struggle to sleep tonight.“It’s professional pride. So irrespective of the level of opponent, you should always feel that way, if you’ve got the desire to win.“Prior to this season, I don’t think I had ever lost a game by more than three goals as a manager. So I’m hurting and suffering, but it doesn’t diminish my want to put it right. I want to overcome it but it hurts a lot. I accept the speculation because that’s the nature of the job, and it’s absolutely deserved after those two results (9-0 Celtic and 7-0 Alkmaar).”"
Dundee United manager makes brutal admission after suffering 9-0 defeat at the hands of Celtic
It should not come as a surprise to anyone that questions are being asked of Ross and his future at the club after results like this.
One manager whose future was also in question this time last year is Postecoglou. It is safe to say that the situation is quite different right now and he is a cult hero.
Celtic had lost three of their first six league games last season and had been knocked out from the Champions League qualifiers early as well. In direct contrast, they have won all five league games till now and were placed in the same group as Real Madrid in Europe’s elite competition.