UNITED'S Champions League hopes remain in the balance after defeat against Celtic at Parkhead.

The Reds needed only a point to gain qualification to the knock-out phase of the competition, but despite dominating the game for long periods they were undone by Shunsuke Nakamuraés sublime free-kick.

United had a chance to hit back when Thomas Gravesen was penalised for handling in the box, but Artur Boruc saved Louis Saha's late penalty.

The result means Celtic have qualified for the next stage, while United must gain at least a point against Benfica on December 6.

Sir Alex Ferguson started with arguably his strongest 11, with Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville both used despite speculation they would be rested ahead of Sundayés showdown with Chelsea.

Gabriel Heinze got the nod at left-back, while Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes established midfield superiority early on.

Giggs was unlucky to be called back for offside with just after quarter of an hour gone when he was clean through, and the Welsh winger then miscontrolled to squander a potential scoring chance.

Neville and Heinze were getting forward to good effect as Celtic struggled to impose themselves on the game, although the Hoops defence were coping with the movement of Saha and Wayne Rooney.

Bobo Balde felled Scholes with a reckless challenge just outside the box, but Giggsé effort was deflected over the bar. From the resulting corner, Rooney fizzed a volley wide.

Control

Celtic simply could not get hold of the ball and Giggs and Scholes were dictating play in the home sideés half.

Baldeés slip then let in Ronaldo, but the Portuguese winger never quite got the ball under control and Boruc made the save for Celtic.

Celtic had their best chance of the first half in the 38th minute, but Gravesenés header fizzed across goal when the slightest of touches would have diverted the ball in.

Celtic made two changes at the break with Jarosik and Shaun Maloney coming on in place of Evander Sno and Maciej Zurawski.

And Gordon Strachanés men showed more intent immediately with Gravesen unleashing a stinging shot that was saved by Edwin van der Sar.

Ronaldo was looking dangerous however, and a couple of weaving runs served a reminder to Celtic of just how dangerous the winger can be.

Celtic hit back and Van der Sar had to be alert to stop Nakamuraés bouncing shot, while at the other end Rooney fired a shot over from distance.

With game heading towards a stalemate, Celtic were awarded a controversial free-kick for Nemanja Vidicés challenge on Jarosik.

And just like he did at Old Trafford, Nakamura sent another sublime free-kick into the top corner to give Celtic the lead.

United almost hit back straight away when Saha found himself in on goal, but he hesitated and allowed Boruc to smother his effort.

Saha then missed the penalty after Gravesen had been deemed to have handled Ronaldoés free-kick, with Boruc saving well down to his right-hand side.

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