GLASGOW, Nov 21 - Japanese midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura bent in a superb free kick with nine minutes left to give Celtic a 1-0 win over Manchester United and qualification for the Champions League knockout stages on Tuesday.

United missed the chance to equalise when Celtic goalkeeper Artur Boruc saved Louis Saha's penalty in the 89th minute.

United dominated the first period of a match dubbed the battle of Britain but failed to create many clear opportunities and Celtic improved after the break.

With one round to play, Celtic have 9 points from 5 games and are through because of their better record against United, who also have 9. Benfica are third with 7 points after beating visitors FC Copenhagen 3-1.