Latvian Kris Janis Vallers made a scoring debut for Celtic in this hard fought victory over the Tannadice side at Lennoxtown.
After fighting a resolute rearguard action, United's resolve was finally broken midway through the second half when a Ryan Dow clearance fell to Celtic's new bhoy and he fired a shot from the edge of the box which deflected off a defender before squeezing in at the post.
Overall it was a game of few chances.
However, United had defended very well and were a bit unlucky to lose, particularly given how fortuitous the home side's winner was.
Dundee United : Grant, Irvine, Shaw, Lee, R Smith, Stokes, Hilson (R Thompson 78), Allan, Murray (Scott 60), R McCord, Dow (L Swanson 46), Subs Hindley, Leitch, Whyte and K Smith.