The champions of England and Scotland meet overnight at Old Trafford in the Champions League with the hosts clear favourites to take three points and at least maintain their position at the top of Group E.
Here we look at the players who could decide the outcome of the match.
WAYNE ROONEY v STEPHEN McMANUS
Rooney has hit a rich vein of form and is currently one of the top-performing players in the Barclays Premier League. The 22-year-old has scored five goals in the last three games for club and country and is difficult to stop when playing this well. His pace, strength and ability to drop deep and go wide make him hard to mark while he can be as much a provider as a goalscorer.
McManus will have his hands full but will not be fazed by taking on his United opponent. The 26-year-old Celtic captain is a tough tackler and will enjoy the physical battle. Likely to win most balls in the air, but United's pace in attack could ask questions of him.
JON O'SHEA v SHUNSUKE NAKAMURA
With Patrice Evra unavailable due to a hamstring injury, Republic of Ireland utility man O'Shea is likely to be drafted in at left-back. The defender has never been a regular starter but knows he is an integral member of the United squad. The Red Devils, however, will miss Evra's agility against the skilled Nakamura.
Celtic's playmaker scored a superb free-kick in the last meeting between the two clubs - also in the Champions League - in 2006. The Japanese midfielder is vital for the Scottish league leaders with his creativity, calm under pressure and cultured reading of the game. Nakamura - a left-footed, right-sided midfielder - needs to have a productive game if Celtic are to unlock United.
RIO FERDINAND v SCOTT McDONALD
Central defender Ferdinand has shown great maturity in recent weeks when speaking out as England vice-captain. On the field he has cut out the majority of the lapses in concentration he used to be occasionally guilty of when he first arrived at Old Trafford. He is calm, speedy and plays with great skill under pressure with an intelligent reading of the game. A major factor in United's success last year.
McDonald will provide Ferdinand with some searching questions, though. The Australian had an exceptional first season with Celtic following his summer 2007 move from Motherwell, scoring 31 goals to become the leading scorer in Scotland. He is small and pacy and has some great skill as well as the ability to nip in and grab key goals.
WAYNE ROONEY v STEPHEN McMANUS
Rooney has hit a rich vein of form and is currently one of the top-performing players in the Barclays Premier League. The 22-year-old has scored five goals in the last three games for club and country and is difficult to stop when playing this well. His pace, strength and ability to drop deep and go wide make him hard to mark while he can be as much a provider as a goalscorer.
McManus will have his hands full but will not be fazed by taking on his United opponent. The 26-year-old Celtic captain is a tough tackler and will enjoy the physical battle. Likely to win most balls in the air, but United's pace in attack could ask questions of him.
JON O'SHEA v SHUNSUKE NAKAMURA
With Patrice Evra unavailable due to a hamstring injury, Republic of Ireland utility man O'Shea is likely to be drafted in at left-back. The defender has never been a regular starter but knows he is an integral member of the United squad. The Red Devils, however, will miss Evra's agility against the skilled Nakamura.
Celtic's playmaker scored a superb free-kick in the last meeting between the two clubs - also in the Champions League - in 2006. The Japanese midfielder is vital for the Scottish league leaders with his creativity, calm under pressure and cultured reading of the game. Nakamura - a left-footed, right-sided midfielder - needs to have a productive game if Celtic are to unlock United.
RIO FERDINAND v SCOTT McDONALD
Central defender Ferdinand has shown great maturity in recent weeks when speaking out as England vice-captain. On the field he has cut out the majority of the lapses in concentration he used to be occasionally guilty of when he first arrived at Old Trafford. He is calm, speedy and plays with great skill under pressure with an intelligent reading of the game. A major factor in United's success last year.
McDonald will provide Ferdinand with some searching questions, though. The Australian had an exceptional first season with Celtic following his summer 2007 move from Motherwell, scoring 31 goals to become the leading scorer in Scotland. He is small and pacy and has some great skill as well as the ability to nip in and grab key goals.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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