New Celtic pair deny forcing a move out of United

But that was contested by both players as they were unveiled at a media conference at Parkhead a few hours later. Armstrong had 18 months left on his United deal while Mackay-Steven had already signed a pre-contract agreement to join Celtic in the summer, but United decided to accept Celtic's bids to land both of the immediately.

When asked if United were correct to say he had pushed to move now, Armstrong said: "No, I wouldn't entirely agree with that. I don't think I actively expressed that to them. It was in the club's control and the club is responsible for accepting or rejecting bids. I don't know the exact wording of the statement, but I would say that I didn't actively push myself out the door. I think I was quite relaxed about it and waited for the clubs to accept or reject, and came here once it happened."

Mackay-Steven repeated that position and insisted he had never asked to leave United in the January transfer window. It was put to him that parts of the statement were unfair: "I think so. At the start of the month United wanted 'x' for me. It wasn't until deadline day that figure was met. So then it was a case of me talking and all that stuff. But it was all about the clubs talking and a fee was agreed.

"I said before I signed a pre-contract and was delighted to have my future secured at a club like Celtic. But I had a great four years at United. I never once kicked the door down and asked to leave because I had always been happy and was happy. It was just a massive opportunity for me here. It has happened sooner than I expected, but that's great and I will get my head down and work as hard as I can."

Armstrong and Mackay-Steven were key players at Tannadice and fans have been deeply unhappy with the directors and chairman, Stephen Thompson, for allowing them to join a rival while the club is still involved in all three domestic competitions. But the statement stressed the board had to consider the club's long-term sustainability, and it said the money was too good to turn down for two players who saw their future elsewhere. "Gary Mackay-Steven and Stuart Armstrong left for Celtic FC and while we understand the initial negative response in some quarters to their departure from Dundee United, it is very important to keep this in context.

"Firstly and most importantly, it is the board's duty to balance the short, medium and long term interests of the Club at all times. While being an emotional wrench for the club and the players, the transfer of Gary and Stuart was reluctantly, albeit undoubtedly, the right thing to do in the circumstances. Those circumstances, for absolute clarity, are that both Gary and Stuart made it clear to management that they wanted to leave Dundee United to further their careers elsewhere.

"Gary had signed a pre-contract agreement with Celtic. The board had no desire to sell the players however when it was obvious that they both viewed their futures elsewhere it is the board's responsibility to do the right thing for the club. That then meant ensuring that the club realised optimum financial value for the players, one of whom had only 17 weeks left on his contract.

"It should also be appreciated that in reality, players decide where they will play and not their current clubs. Dundee United has no control over their destination club. On this occasion the lure of European football and increased personal financial reward and security are major draws to young players. Both players ultimately go with our best wishes.

"On-field we are still challenging on three fronts and have no intention of being diverted from our short term aims for this season. We can say that safe in the knowledge that the Manager himself is happy with the result of this transfer window and fully supported the board's actions."

Both players are ineligible for the League Cup final on March 15 but could line up against United in a Premiership fixture at Parkhead the following weekend.