Celtic secured a comfortable 4-0 victory over Dundee United in the Premier Sports Cup, with Benjamin Nygren playing a pivotal role in the dominant performance. Nygren, who has now scored in each of Celtic's opening three league games, netted again and provided assists for two other goals, underscoring his importance to the evolving squad.
Dundee United's early efforts were thwarted by the woodwork, striking the frame of the goal an astonishing five times within the first 20 minutes. Julius Eskesen and Emmanuel Agyei both hit the post, preventing the hosts from taking an unlikely lead.
Celtic took the lead midway through the first half when Auston Trusty met a Nygren corner with a glancing header. Camilo Duran doubled the advantage two minutes later, capitalizing on a scramble in the box after a well-weighted pass from Nygren to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and subsequent play involving Kasper Hogh. Duran's goal was confirmed by VAR.
Despite creating further chances, including a missed volley by Hogh, Celtic extended their lead in the second half. Sebastian Tounekti scored Celtic's third goal in the 54th minute after receiving a diagonal pass from Nygren, cutting inside and finishing low at the near post.
Nygren capped off his impressive display in the 63rd minute with a well-executed strike from the edge of the area, bending a left-footed shot into the net. He was later substituted to a standing ovation. The win propels Celtic into the last 16 of the Premier Sports Cup and builds momentum for their upcoming Champions League play-off first leg against LASK.
The match also provided valuable minutes for new signings Mika Baur and Haissem Hassan. Dundee United's frustrating evening continued as they hit the crossbar twice more through Zac Sapsford and Mehdi Merghem, marking the fifth time the woodwork had intervened in the match.
Nygren's current form, with three goals and three assists in three games, highlights his significant contribution to Celtic's attack, especially as the club integrates new recruits like Hogh, Duran, and Hassan. While striker Kasper Hogh is getting into good positions, the report noted a need for greater precision in future European fixtures.