Celtic vs Dundee United LIVE: Scottish Premiership radio, text updates, team news, stats, match report, reaction

Martin O’Neill marked his first game back in charge by returning Celtic to second place in the Scottish Premiership – and within three points of leaders Hearts – with a comfortable victory over struggling Dundee United.

After last weekend’s bruising Old Firm defeat, one which spelled the end of Wilfried Nancy’s 33-day reign, O’Neill returned to lift Celtic’s spirits.

Celtic were all over a hugely defensive United in the first half and the breakthrough came from Yang Hyun-jun, whose low drilled strike deflected off a defender and fizzed into the back of the net.

Arne Engels doubled the hosts’ advantage five minutes later when he fired home Kieran Tierney’s cross with a one-touch finish from close range.

United, when they did manage to escape their own half, created a few decent opportunities.

Owen Stirton had a chance to level at 1-0 when he robbed the ball from Auston Trusty, but the teenage striker took too long over the strike and allowed Liam Scales to track back and clear the danger.

The second half was more of the same from Celtic and United, having adopted a more progressive approach, were repeatedly picked open.

Substitute Benjamin Nygren added a third from close range before Daizen Maeda slotted in the fourth after Dave Richards failed to hold Sebastian Tounekti’s strike.

The result leaves United seventh – level on points with Aberdeen, but now five behind Falkirk having played a game more – while Celtic leapfrog Rangers before Danny Rohl’s side visit Pittodrie on Sunday.

More to follow.