Former Manchester United goalkeeper is set for his debut in a crucial match against Celtic.
Image Credits: Imago Images
As club football prepares to return following the international break, Manchester United fans will be keeping an eye on several familiar faces across Europe and beyond.
Many former academy products continue to ply their trade in the UK, some finding success in unexpected places, while others look to rebuild their careers after departing Old Trafford.
The pathway from United’s youth system has long produced goalkeepers who’ve gone on to make their mark elsewhere, from Sam Johnstone to Dean Henderson, and another former Red is now set to feature in one of Scotland’s standout fixtures this weekend.
With domestic football resuming, Celtic’s trip to Dundee comes at a critical point in the Scottish Premiership season, and there’s an unexpected United connection in the spotlight.
Kieran O’Hara, a former Manchester United goalkeeper, is poised to make his Dundee debut this weekend as his side prepares to face defending champions Celtic at Dens Park, as per Glasgow World.
O’Hara made the move to Dundee United from Kilmarnock just last month, bringing with him valuable top-flight experience and a strong reputation for reliability between the posts.
The Irish stopper, who spent over a decade at United before moving on to spells with Fleetwood Town and Kilmarnock, could be handed a surprise start after an untimely injury to first-choice goalkeeper Jon McCracken.
McCracken, who has started every league game under manager Steven Pressley this season, picked up a finger injury during training and is now a major doubt for Sunday’s clash.
Pressley confirmed the setback ahead of the fixture, saying: “We have a little concern over Jon McCracken.
“He suffered a finger injury in training but we hope he might be back by the middle of the week.
“Kieran (O’Hara) played at the weekend in the B team game.
“He also played 45 minutes of the testimonial so we are building him up. We have managed to get a few more minutes under his belt.”
The timing of the injury is far from ideal for Dundee, who currently sit 11th in the table with just one win from seven games.
After a 4-0 defeat to Aberdeen and a shock League Cup exit, the team’s confidence is low, and the upcoming match against Celtic represents a daunting challenge.
Celtic, meanwhile, head into the clash on a high after Daizen Maeda’s dramatic late winner against Motherwell lifted them to within two points of league leaders Hearts.
For Kieran O’Hara, the game offers an opportunity to remind fans of the ability that once saw him touted as one of United’s most promising young goalkeepers.
If he does start, the 29-year-old will be tasked with containing one of the league’s most dangerous attacks, a test that could mark a defining moment in his Dundee career.