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Dundee United exited the Premier Sports Cup at the Last 16 stage following a 4-0 defeat to Celtic at the CalForth Construction Arena at Tannadice, despite hitting the woodwork on five occasions. Two of those efforts had came before Celtic had opened the scoring, with Eskesen and Agyei both denied in quick succession as the Tangerines threatened to make the early breakthrough. Eskesen struck the post in the thirteenth minute after being found by Ciubotaru's long throw, before Agyei went even closer three minutes later when he struck the same upright following a cut-back from Eskesen after a mix-up in the Celtic defence. Celtic responded with a sustained spell of possession before taking the lead in the 22nd minute. An inswinging Nygren corner was delivered into the area and Trusty rose highest at the near post to head beyond Jack Walton. The visitors doubled their advantage just a minute later when they broke through the right channel, and a low ball from Oxlade-Chamberlain was deflected towards Durán to slam home from close range. The deflection came off the arm of Høgh and, despite claims from those in tangerine and a short VAR check, the goal stood. United continued to look for a route back into the contest, with Kevin Ciubotaru delivering a corner from the right and Michael Forbes making a series of important defensive interventions as Celtic looked to extend their advantage. Celtic went close again in first-half stoppage time after a Rawlins slipped, but we went into the interval two goals behind. There was no change at the break and the Terrors began the second half positively. Ševelj looked to drive forward early on, while Randall was almost found by Esselink as United searched for an opening. Sapsford then came agonisingly close to pulling one back in the 49th minute, striking the crossbar following a break involving Ševelj. Randall's low cross moments later was met by Sapsford, but his effort was blocked. Celtic immediately extended their lead from the resulting restart, with a quick counter finding Tounekti cutting inside before finishing beyond Walton inside the box. The Tangerines continued to create opportunities, with Esselink heading towards the frame from Randall's corner in the 56th minute, but the ball came back off the face of the crossbar. Celtic added a fourth in the 62nd minute when Nygren's effort from just inside the box found the back of the net. Jim Goodwin responded with a triple change, introducing Bennie, Metsoko and debutant Abdoulaye Yoro for Sapsford, Eskesen and Rose. Bennie provided a threat down the left during the closing stages and saw a curling effort go narrowly over the bar, while Merghem produced another excellent effort in the 90th minute which struck the crossbar. That completed our tally of five efforts against the woodwork, but Celtic held on to secure their place in the quarter-finals. We exit the Premier Sports Cup at the Last 16 stage, with attention now turning to next weekend's first Dundee derby of the season. Dundee United 0 Celtic 4 (Trusty 22’, Durán 24’, Tounetki 54’, Nygren 62’) 5.45pm Saturday 15 August 2026 The CalForth Construction Arena at Tannadice Park Premier Sports Cup Attendance: 9,136 Teamlines DUNDEE UNITED Starting XI: Walton, Esselink, Ševelj, Sapsford, Tait, Agyei, Eskesen, Rose, Forbes (c), Ciubotaru, Randall, Rawlins   Subs: Amissah, Iovu, Graham, Merghem, Camara, Farrugia, Yoro, Bennie, Metsoko CELTIC Starting XI: Sinisalo, Scales, Trusty, Nygren, Høgh, durán, Carter-Vickers, Oxlade-Chamberlain, McGregor (c), Donovan   Subs: Doohan, McCowan, Osmand, Baur, Hassan, Hatate, Murray, Forrest, Tierney Next Up The Terrors return to William Hill Premiership action next Saturday, 22 August, when near neighbours Dundee visit the CalForth Construction Arena at Tannadice for the first derby of the campaign. Click here to get your match tickets!