“I’m Not a Magician”  Nancy Press Conference Ignites Furious Fan Backlash as Celtic Enter Must Win Dundee United Clash at Tannadice

Wilfred Nancy’s short and turbulent start as Celtic manager intensified on Tuesday afternoon after a frank press conference remark sparked a furious reaction among supporters, just hours before a crucial Premiership trip to Dundee United.

“I’m not a magician,” Nancy told reporters at Lennoxtown, attempting to frame expectations amid a demanding early spell in charge. Instead, the comment struck a nerve. Coming at the end of a run of three consecutive defeats, many fans interpreted the words as a troubling admission at a time when results  not reassurance  are being demanded.

Nancy was appointed only ten days ago, but the pressure surrounding the role has already escalated sharply. Celtic’s League Cup final defeat to St Mirren on Sunday was the third loss in a row since his arrival, following earlier league and European setbacks. The defeat denied the club an early chance at silverware and deepened the sense of unease around a team struggling to find stability.

For sections of the support, the timing of Nancy’s remark could hardly have been worse. Social media reaction was swift and unforgiving, with fans questioning the tone of the message rather than the sentiment itself. While few expect instant perfection, many believe that a club of Celtic’s stature should never sound as though it is lowering standards  particularly after three straight defeats.

Yet even amid the backlash, expectation remains relentless. Wednesday night’s trip to Tannadice is viewed by supporters as non-negotiable. Against a Dundee United side winless since late October, Celtic are expected not only to win, but to do so with authority.

Jim Goodwin’s Dundee United enter the fixture struggling for confidence and points. A difficult run has left them rooted in the bottom half of the table, and while Tannadice under the lights has often proved an uncomfortable venue for visiting sides, the hosts know they face an opponent desperate to respond.

That desperation could define the match.

Nancy’s early reign has been shaped by adversity rather than momentum. Three defeats in succession have limited his ability to implement ideas gradually, and instead forced immediate scrutiny of tactics, team selection and mentality. At Celtic, results are the currency  and patience is thin.

During his press conference, Nancy attempted to strike a balance between realism and responsibility.

“We have to be honest about where we are,” he said. “The work takes time, but the response must be immediate. That is what tomorrow is about.”

It is that response which now defines his position more than any quote. While the “not a magician” line dominated reaction, the wider message was one of urgency. Celtic cannot afford a fourth consecutive defeat. Nor can they allow doubts to harden into a narrative of drift.

Historically, Celtic have prided themselves on ruthless consistency against teams outside the top positions. Even during periods of transition, fixtures like Dundee United away have often provided opportunities to reset, reassert control and restore belief. Failure to do so now would only amplify the noise surrounding Nancy’s appointment.

Supporters travelling to Tannadice will demand intensity from the first whistle. The expectation is clear: dominate possession, impose tempo, and show visible signs of progress after a run of results that has shaken confidence. Anything resembling hesitation or fragility will be seized upon.

The players, too, are under scrutiny. With a new manager seeking buy-in amid a compressed schedule, performances will shape perceptions of who can be trusted moving forward. A strong showing could offer Nancy a platform to build on; another setback could deepen the sense of uncertainty.

What complicates matters further is the looming festive period. Celtic face a relentless run of fixtures, and momentum  whether positive or negative  tends to snowball at this stage of the season. A win at Tannadice would not erase the pain of three consecutive defeats, but it would slow the spiral and allow breathing space.

For Nancy, Wednesday night represents more than three points. It is a chance to reframe the conversation  to move focus away from press conference sound bites and back onto performance and results. Football rarely allows time for explanations, and at Celtic, credibility is built match by match.

As the floodlights come on in Dundee, the message from the stands will be unmistakable. Fans may be furious, frustrated and sceptical  but they still expect a response. After three losses in a row and a press conference that inflamed opinion, only a convincing performance against Dundee United will be loud enough to change the mood.

Anything else risks making a difficult start feel far worse.