Celtic Park welcomed a special occasion as a host of legends from both Celtic and Manchester United turned back the clock in front of a lively crowd.
The charity match produced entertainment and drama, ending in a 2-2 draw before the Hoops sealed a 4-3 victory on penalties.
United started strongly and looked in full control by half-time. Darren Fletcher, returning to Glasgow in the red of United, opened the scoring before Dimitar Berbatov rolled back the years with a composed finish to double the visitors’ lead.
For long spells it appeared as though Celtic were heading for defeat, with the English side creating more chances and showing their quality in possession.
The second half, however, belonged to Celtic. Spurred on by the crowd, Scott McDonald pulled one back with a striker’s finish before Shaun Maloney levelled the game with a well-taken goal, sparking huge cheers from the home support. The comeback ensured the tie went straight to penalties, giving the occasion the kind of finale fans had hoped for.
The shootout was a mixture of tension and fun, with the goalkeepers unexpectedly playing central roles. Joe Hart stepped up to take a penalty himself but fired wide, while Artur Boruc produced the decisive save from Tyler Blackett to hand Celtic the win.
Lee Naylor converted the clinching spot-kick after successful efforts from Simon Donnelly, Charlie Mulgrew and McDonald, while Michael Carrick, Nani and Chris Eagles scored for United.
The result mattered little in the end, with the atmosphere one of celebration rather than rivalry, but it was clear what the victory meant to the Celtic players and supporters.
Familiar faces like Boruc, Naylor and Maloney enjoyed a warm reception, while Tom Rogic’s return to Celtic Park drew huge applause from the stands.
After the final whistle, Boruc again showed why he remains such a cult hero in Glasgow by pulling on a Palestinian jersey, sparking another big reaction from the support.
Artur Boruc 🍾🍀 pic.twitter.com/JHeCINpV8P
— Charlie 🍀 (@TheBhoysPage) September 6, 2025
It was a reminder of the personality he always brought during his playing days at Celtic.
Football – Celtic v Dundee United – CIS Insurance Cup Semi-Final – Hampden Park, Glasgow – Scotland – 08/09 – 28/1/09
Celtic’s Artur Boruc celebrates winning the match after a penalty shootout
Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Lee Smith
For both clubs, the event was about much more than the scoreline. It offered a chance for fans to see their heroes again, to enjoy football without the pressure of points or trophies, and to raise money for important causes.
In the end, Celtic’s penalty triumph added an extra layer of joy to a memorable afternoon at Paradise, where nostalgia and entertainment were in equal supply.
Tees for Tims