Pat Bonner has hailed Callum McGregor as ‘the best’ player on the pitch as Celtic won 3-0 at Dundee United for a place in the Scottish Cup semi-finals, speaking on BBC Sportsound.
The Bhoys ran out comfortable victors at Tannadice Park on Monday night with McGregor and Giorgos Giakoumakis (twice) scoring. Ange Postecoglou’s side broke the deadlock on 12-minutes, before stretching their advantage with efforts in the 58th and 88th-minutes.
McGregor opened the scoring when the Bhoys skipper’s deflected effort from the edge of the area beat Benjamin Siegrist. Nicky Clark could only divert the ball past his goalkeeper when the striker stretched his leg out to block the shot following the Hoops’ short corner.
The goal took the wind out of Dundee United as Tam Courts struggled to motivate a reply from the Terrors. But even after building some momentum, Celtic withstood the pressure and came close to stretching their margin when McGregor whistled just wide of the post.
Goals have been rare for McGregor so far this term, with his hit at Dundee United just the Celtic star’s fourth after 43 appearances across all competitions. Yet the deflected hit also saw the 28-year-old match his 2020/21 haul in six fewer games, but with three less assists.
Bonner hails Callum McGregor as ‘the best’ in Celtic win over Dundee United
It was also not just McGregor’s goal that impressed former Celtic goalkeeper Bonner away to Dundee United on Monday. The Hoops skipper also stood out for his relentless desire to get on the ball and help dictate play. All in all amounting to a Man of the Match display.
“I think Callum McGregor was the best player on the pitch,” Bonner said. “He controlled it well for Celtic, he was always looking for the ball.”
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