The defeat might be no bad thing – Celtic 4 Newcastle 0 | OneFootball

No team can enjoy losing 4-0, even in a summer friendly.

United were given a rude awakening at Parkhead in front of 10,000+ noisy travelling fans and the defeat might be no bad thing.

If you think that’s a bit political, consider Engels (not that one!). He scored top marks in United’s first public match of the pre-season with the opening goal, a penalty after Willock desperately tried to prevent a Celtic shot eight yards out.

Pope misjudged a long Schmeichel clearance just before the interval. The ball bounced over his head, allowing Kenny to score with a chance even I would have converted.

What both first-half strikes had in common was the space found behind United’s porous back line in the build-up.

Even before the hosts scored, they had looked dangerous. Schar forced Pope into a full-length reaction save with a clunky attempted clearance and Botman did well to block a goal-bound shot.

At the other end, Osula looked our most likely lad but Schmeichel was seriously extended only once.

Isak and Big Joe were absent, as was the still injured Hall. Many of the starters were predictably rusty against opponents much more advanced in their prep, though not Bruno G, whose quality shone brightly.

Elanga was one of nine half-time changes by the manager. Two others, White and Alex Murphy, combined within 90 seconds to set up Osula but his instant shot was superbly blocked by the keeper.

On 52 minutes Celtic broke at speed and Yang made it three from close range. Dubravka had no chance once Krafth had been outfoxed on our right flank.

Only Miley and Osula played more than 45 minutes.

Celtic made 10 changes on the hour, supplementing the earlier introduction of Tierney. The Scottish champions continued to find space while United continued to toil without reward.

Lascelles powered a header on target from a Tonali corner on 67 minutes but it was straight at the keeper.

Burn was booked two minutes later for a foul on the edge of his box. Gordon looked lively in his white bandana but was double-marked most of the time and often wanted an extra touch.

United were searching for a tangible reward other than minutes in the legs. None was forthcoming.

Lascelles overplayed 30 yards out, forcing Dubravka to spare his blushes. It was only a brief reprieve, however, because the corner was recycled on our right and Scales won the aerial battle to thump a header high into the corner.

That was the signal for Miley and Osula to be replaced by Neave and Hernes with less than 20 minutes to play. The youngsters both acquitted themselves creditably.

On 84 minutes Elanga won a free kick 22 yards out. Tonali shot weakly straight at the keeper.

Neave had a stoppage-time chance that he headed too close to the keeper. In essence, the hosts looked assured and confident. United looked undercooked and a bit toothless.

Next week they are off to south-east Asia for three games, including matches against Arsenal and Spurs. If they lose all those games, eyebrows will be raised.

Final score:

Celtic 4 Newcastle 0

Newcastle team v Celtic:

Pope (Dubravka 46), Trippier (Krafth 46), Botman (Burn 46), Schar (Lascelles 46), Barnes (Gordon 46), Targett (Alex Murphy 46), Osula (Neave), Jacob Murphy (Elanga 46), Willock (White 46), Bruno (Tonali 46), Miley (Hernes 75)

Unused Subs:

Ruddy, Ashby, Munda

Newcastle United pre-season friendly schedule 2025/26

(Saturday 12 July – Newcastle 4 Carlisle 0 (Behind closed doors))

Saturday 19 July – Celtic 4 Newcastle 0

Sunday 27 July – Arsenal v Newcastle

Wednesday 30 July – Team K-League all stars v Newcastle

Sunday 3 August- Spurs v Newcastle

Friday 8 August – Newcastle v Espanyol

Saturday 9 August – Newcastle v Atletico Madrid