Mixu Paatelainen: United ready for Celtic test

Dundee United manager Mixu Paatelainen watches over training. Picture: SNS

The Tangerines head to the home of the champions for tomorrow’s clash, which will be only the Finn’s second game in charge as they bid to climb off the foot of the table.

United lost 1-0 at home to Hearts last week, but Paatelainen has assured fans they are well prepared for the prospect of  facing Ronny Deila’s men.

“We want to be as positive as possible, but against Celtic you must be careful about how many players you commit to the forward areas as they can hurt you on the counter-attack,” Paatelainen said. “That’s what can happen so as a team we need to show patience because we don’t want to shoot ourselves in the foot.

“Everyone can be sure, though, that at both ends of the park the players will know what to do and what is expected of them. We will be looking to pass the ball well and exploit opportunities but we also have to be organised at the back.

“At some point, Celtic will come at us in numbers and that is when we must be organised.

“They will probably change their team from the European game for Sunday, but they have the players to do that and we are well aware of that.”