Celtic's second SPL game of Gordon Strachan's first season in charge, only a week after the unfortunate 4-4 draw againstmotherwell at Fir Park. It was also the debut of Shunsuke Nakamura.
Hartson scored in the 36th minute with a shot that slid under United keeper Derek Stillie, and he had two more headers hit the bar before Craig Beattie doubled the lead with a superb late strike.
Nakamura dazzled the supporters with his technique and creative position, almost scoring in his first of 82minutes on the pitch. He also took an excellent free-kick which was just touched away by Stillie. Shaun Maloney set up Beattie's goal and the youngster had a good game.

Celtic: Boruc, Telfer, Balde, McManus, Camara, Petrov, Lennon, Thompson, Nakamura (Beattie 84), Hartson, Zurawski (Maloney 64).

Subs Not Used: Marshall, Aliadiere, McGeady, Wallace, O'Dea.

Booked: Petrov.

Goals: Hartson 37, Beattie 88.

Dundee Utd: Stillie, Wilson, McCracken, Archibald, Duff, Kerr, Brebner, Robson (Samuel 48), McIntyre, Crawford, Miller.

Subs Not Used: Dodds, Samson, Kenneth, Holmes, Robertson, Cameron.

Booked: Crawford, McCracken.

Attendance: 56,532

Referee: Ian Brines