Manchester Utd 4-0 Glasgow Celtic - Match Report

Manchester United have kicked off their 2003 USA tour in style with a 4-0 a victory against Uefa Cup runners up Glasgow Celtic.

Goals from Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Ole Gunner Solsjaer, Ryan Giggs and David Bellion secured the win for United, in front of a packed house at the Seahawks Stadium in Seattle.

Both Sir Alex Ferguson and Martin O'Neil started the games off with strong side, showing their intention to win the match dubbed the 'Battle of Britain'.

The absence of both Fabien Barthez and Tim Howard from the travelling squad gave Roy Carroll a chance to stake his claim for the Number One jersey at Old Trafford, and a series of good saves and a clean sheet will have done him no harm at all.

United started the game with a different but effective formation. Roy Keane, Nicky Butt and Quinton Fortune made up a three man midfield, with Ryan Giggs and Ole Gunner Solskjaer playing more forward roles, just behind Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

This new formation led to a more fast paced style of play from United, with quick counter attacks resulting in two of the Red Devils' goals.

The game got off to a lively start, with Celtic having the better of the early exchanges. Alan Thompson had the best of Celtic's chances in their opening spell of pressure, with his deflected free-kick going just wide of Roy Carroll's goal.

United quickly adjusted to the tempo of the game though, despite Celtic having already played 4 pre-season games, and after coming through Celtic's early pressure, took the lead.

Ole Gunner Solskjaer fed an inch perfect ball to Ruud Van Nistelrooy from the right wing. The Dutch goal machine took two touches, turned, and slammed the ball past Hedman with style.

Solskjaer was on a mission, desperate to prove to Sir Alex Ferguson that he can fill David Beckham's boots on the right side of midfield, his contribution throughout the match was excellent.

Just five minutes after his set up for Ruud's early opener, Solskjaer nearly got on the score sheet himself. Ole made contact with a Van Nistelrooy cross, but his shot was gathered comfortably by the 'keeper.

With twenty minutes on the clock, Stilian Petrov was brought down in the box by United skipper Roy Keane, and the referee showed no hesitation in giving a penalty kick. Alan Thomson, whose missed penalty cost Celtic the SPL title last season, stepped up, but his kick flew well wide of the left post.

A few moments later, United were awarded a free-kick following with Roy Keane being brought down just outside the penalty area. With David Beckham now showing off his free-kicks in the white shirt of Real Madrid, there was a bit of confusion over who would take the kick. Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who has still never scored outside of the box for United had a crack, and forced a good save out of Marcus Hedman.

With just over half-an-hour on the clock, United doubled their lead courtesy of a Ryan Giggs strike. Ruud Van Nistelrooy had latched on to a through ball from Solskjaer, but his shot was parried by the Celtic 'keeper. Ruud then did well to keep the ball, despite being surrounded by Celtic defenders. He played a neat pass to Ryan Giggs whose powerful shot left Hedman with no chance.

Still, Celtic were still pushing forward looking to get back into the game, but Rio Ferdinand and John O'Shea were dealing with what was thrown at them.

With moments to go before the interval, United got themselves in firm control with a third goal. Gary Neville played a superb through ball from the right flank to Ole Gunner Solskjaer, who drilled it home from 15-yards out.

Half Time - Manchester United 3-0 Glasgow Celtic

United made just one change at half-time, with Juan Veron coming on to replace Roy Keane. Veron will be desperate to prove himself this tour, with rumours still flying about a proposed move to Stamford Bridge for the Argentinean midfielder.

In a desperate attempt to turn the game, Celtic made five changes. Douglas, Mjallby, Maloney, Kennedy and Lambert were all introduced, as O'Neil looked to bring some fresh legs into the game.

Celtic looked more aggressive early on in the half, and started throwing men forward, but couldn’t find a way past the United defence.

The Bhoys' superior fitness was starting to show as they continued to create chances, with Chris Sutton and Henrik Larsson both coming close - but neither could find a goal to give the hoops a glimmer of hope.

New signing David Bellion was introduced to the game just before the hour mark, as he replaced Ryan Giggs. Diego Forlan was also brought on to replace opening scorer Ruud Van Nistelrooy.

After showing some good early touches, Bellion capped off a superb debut by finding the back of the net. The Frenchman picked up on a Paul Scholes pass, and neatly tucked the ball in the far corner of the net. The referee showed no doubts about giving the goal, despite Celtic's offside cries.

With 10 minutes to go, Nicky Butt, who had just been booked for a late challenge, and Ryan Giggs, were replaced by Darren Fletcher, the temporary holder of the number 7 shirt, and promising winger Kieran Richardson.

United made one last change which saw Sir Alex took off Phil Neville, and replace him with young Danny Pugh. The experience of playing in this tour for Pugh, and all the United youngsters will be invaluable, and will undoubtedly help them on their mission to earn a regular place in the United line-up.

The 4-0 score line is perhaps a little harsh on Celtic, but United took there chances well, and Sir Alex Ferguson will be delighted with the display. If the Americans still don't like football after this - they simply never will!

The win will give United confidence as they go on to face Mexican outfit Club Americas on Sunday on the next part of their USA tour.

Full Time - Manchester United 4-0 Glasgow Celtic

Glasgow Celtic - Hedman (Douglas 45); Balde, Varga (McNamara 73), Laursen (Mjallby 45), Agathe (Silia 73), Thompson (Petta 73); Petrov (Maloney 45), Smith (Kennedy 45), Lennon (Lambert 45); Larsson (Fernandez 73), Sutton (Beattie 86).

Ryan Giggs continued his fantastic form which helped United to the Premiership title last season, with a superb display against the SPL outfit.

Giggs' superb runs and slick passing were a crucial part of the victory, and he took his goal very well indeed.

Giggs just beat Ruud to my choice for Man of the Match, although Van Nitelrooy was awarded the official best player trophy at the end of the game.

It's amazing to think that just 9 months ago, many of the United faithful booed him off the field, and he looked set to be joining Inter Milan!

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