Celtic on this Day – Beating Man Utd in Bryan Robson Testimonial

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The Celtic Star

·20 November 2024

Celtic on this Day – Beating Man Utd in Bryan Robson Testimonial

Celtic on this Day – Hoops beat Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Bryan Robson Testimonial…

Press Cutting

20 November 1990

Manchester United 1-3 Celtic. The Hoops had started their 1990/1991 league campaign woefully winning only five of their 13 matches. Therefore, heading south to face the European Cup winners for England captain Bryan Robson’s testimonial seemed like an ominous challenge.

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Bryan Robson Testimonial, 20 November 1990. Photo The Celtic Wiki

However, Celtic were victorious channelling some rare energy and quality after a dismal start across all competitions. 15,000 Hoops supporters made the trip to Old Trafford as 41,500 spectators watched on as Collins, Nicholas and Coyne netted in Celtic’s 3-1 win to spoil Robson’s commemoration.

20 November 1998

Johan Mjallby signed for Celtic on this day in 1998. The Swedish powerhouse was signed by Dr Jo Venglos from AIK Solina for a bargain fee of around £1.5 million on this day, 26 years ago. Famously, Mjallby made his debut against Rangers the following day in an emphatic 5-1 victory at Paradise.

Johan Mjallby, photo The Celtic Wiki

The big Swede hadn’t even unpacked before being thrown in for his first taste of Scottish football which was an Old Firm clash. Racking up 184 appearances in green and white Hoops, Mjallby collected three Scottish League championships, he was a two-time Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup winner whilst also providing a pivotal role in Celtic’s UEFA Cup run to Seville in season 2002/2003. A cult hero, Mjallby is still fondly remembered by Celtic supporters all over the world to this present day.

20 November 1999

25 years ago today, Hearts 1-2 Celtic. It was the late, late show for John Barnes’ men who came from behind to win this Scottish Premier League encounter at Tynecastle. Apathy was starting to grow amongst the Celtic support, and it was quite clear Barnes was not the right guy in charge.

Hearts v Celtic, 1999. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Celtic had lost league matches to Dundee United, Motherwell and Rangers in the early stages of the 1999/2000 campaign. Added to this, the Hoops had exited the UEFA Cup second round following back-to-back defeats versus Lyon. However, against the Jambos, Ian Wright scored a rare goal, and it was Lubo Morvacik’s strike from 25 yards that sealed the three points for Celtic with only two minutes of regulation time remaining. Truthfully, it was French shotstopper Gilles Rousset that Celtic had to thank for their victory due to two monumental goalkeeping howlers.

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr, Volumes One & Two, Published by Celtic Star Books, November 2024.

Matt Corr’s wonderful new books, Celtic in the Thirties, Volumes One & Two are both out now on Celtic Star Books and you can order a signed copies by clicking on the links below…