Just minutes after the final whistle had been blown at Celtic Park, Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara had already shifted his focus on to Saturday’s Scottish Cup final with St Johnstone.
The Tangerines had travelled to the east end of Glasgow determined to spoil the Hoops’ title celebrations but they fell behind to an Anthony Stokes goal in the second half and then Celtic increased their lead thanks to a Georgios Samaras penalty.
There was a glimmer of hope when the home side’s Filip Twardzik scored an own goal but Neil Lennon’s men hit back again through Kris Commons.
While being disappointed with the result, McNamara was quick to put it behind him as he looks to this week’s preparations for the final.
He said: “I thought we passed the ball well at times. I felt we didn’t deserve to lose the game let alone 3-1.
“There was a lot of positive stuff there despite us changing things around.
“But today was all about making sure everyone came through OK. They all seem to have done that and we will see how they are tomorrow and Tuesday.”
When asked if relaxation was as important as intensity this week, he replied: “Absolutely. You can see they are fit enough so it is important to keep them relaxed.
“We will not do very much tomorrow, then we will do intensity training on Tuesday before recovery on Wednesday.
“We are at the Old Course Hotel at the start of the week, which I must thank the chairman for.
“There has been a lot of attention on the players so it is good that we will all be together.
“It will be good to get away from the build-up until later in the week.”
Keith Watson was selected at centre-half instead of his usual full-back spot and McNamara believes the player can be a success in the heart of defence.
He added: “I thought Keith did everything well. I think long term that will be his best position.”