UNITED AID HOOPS ONE MORE TIME

DUNDEE UNITED yesterday completed the job they started at the end of January, when they handed Celtic the title on a plate.

The Tannadice side destroyed what had been a highly promising season for them on three fronts when they sold both Gary MackaySteven and Stuart Armstrong to strengthen the Glasgow club on deadline day to the fury of fans.

And United’s 1-0 win over second-placed Aberdeen at Tannadice ensured the Hoops were crowned champions again.

The Dons needed to win to prevent Ronny Deila’s Celtic side from securing their fourth successive title after they thrashed Dundee 5-0 on Friday.

But Derek McInnes’ men could not keep the fight going another week, Robbie Muirhead’s goal after 13 minutes separating the North-east rivals.

Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes said: “We always felt Celtic would win the league and all we could do was determine when they won it.

“From their point of view spending a couple of million quid in January certainly helped them.

“Bringing the two boys in certainly gave them something.”

Meanwhile, Rangers will have to do it the hard way, if they are to finally return to the Scottish Premiership after blowing a two-goal lead again Championship kings Hearts yesterday.

Stuart McCall’s side finished behind Hibs – who won 3-0 at Falkirk – in third place after their 2-2 Tynecastle draw, where the hosts were presented with the winners trophy (above).

Now they face an initial qualifier at Queen of the South on Saturday, with the return the following Sunday, the winners meet Hibs the following week.

After that the winners look certain to play Motherwell in the Play-Off Final on May 28 and 31.