Strachan sees video nasty

Celtic manager Gordon Strachan admits watching a video of Champions League opponents Manchester United was “not too clever” ahead of the crucial tie on Tuesday.

The Old Trafford side arrive at Celtic Park this week aiming to repair the damage done in the defeat at FC Copenhagen earlier this month.

But, after a 3-0 defeat at Benfica, the Hoops are also chasing three points from the Group F encounter before the final group game in Denmark next month.

However, after the uncomfortable viewing of United’s 4-0 win at Bolton on October 28, the Celtic boss admits he should have left the video in its box.

Strachan said: “I really should not have watched it.

“Their football was fantastic to watch but, as a manager who is coming up to play against them, it was not too clever.”

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson would love to see Celtic qualify behind his own team for the knockout stages.

But he concedes his own ambitions must come first – with a win in Glasgow ensuring United progress after opening the group stage with a hard-fought 3-2 win over the Hoops in Manchester.

Ferguson told the Sunday Mail: “I want to win at Celtic Park because it is important to finish first in the section.

“But I would also like to see Celtic finish second. It would be great for them and Scottish football.

“I’m keen to finish the job in Glasgow though. We wanted to do it against FC Copenhagen earlier this month but lost 1-0.

“Celtic are a better side now and this will not be an easy game.”