After becoming the first Celtic manager to lose his first two games in charge before defeat by St Mirren at Hampden, Nancy aleady had a lot of work to do to win over the Glasgow club’s expectant fanbase.
Chief executive Michael Nicholson insisted earlier in the day that the board’s support for the former Columbus Crew head coach is “absolutely solid” despite a “disappointing” start, but how much longer can their patience continue?
The Frenchman made four changes – two of them enforced – but stuck to his guns with a shape that ensured Celtic were playing for high stakes at both ends of the pitch.
Luke McCowan in a left midfield role and Johnny Kenny, starting up front in place of the injured Kelechi Iheanacho, combined to unleash Maeda time and again.
However, with Liam Scales rested – and full-backs Anthony Ralston and Kieran Tierney flanking Auston Trusty – Celtic continue to look vulnerable at the back.
Whether it was United manager Jim Goodwin replacing the toiling Esselink with Sevelj at half time, or the fact they were shooting down the slope, the game turned.
Goodwin had recognised his own “need to start winning games” and lamented his side’s tendency to lose late goals.
However, this time they held firm to ease pressure on himself and heap it on his opposite number, who has again been reminded that the Premiership is a world away from Major League Soccer.
