Now as we fast forward to the present day and again the heroes in Green and White are faced with a battle, not only against their highly talented opponents, but also against the arrogance of the English media who would have us beaten before a ball is kicked.
However that is where the parallels end. When Celtic faced Leeds in 1970 it is true that the English side were a dominant force, however this was a Celtic side that had already won the Big Cup 3 years prior and had a European pedigree to match the cream of Europe. This however cannot be said of the current squad. Although a talented team, the current incumbents could hardly be compared analogously with Stein's team. However the fact that this tie has been declared 'no contest' has Bertie reminiscing of days gone by.
"Arsene Wenger's teams are different from that Leeds side," says Auld. "The Arsenal manager believes in total football and is so positive, so entertaining. But Celtic can still cause them problems. It is a bit like the Leeds situation because Celtic have been completely written off."
However, Auld believes that Tony Mowbray's side are not without hope. "Arsenal have problems in their back four and Celtic must get at them there. The strike force at Celtic has not quite settled but if they find a touch of form there are goals to be had."
As Auld remembers the glory days when Celtic out muscled the Bullies of Cooper, Charlton, Bremner and Hunter, he remembers that United were a ferocious opponent. "Leeds were bullies, they wanted to mix it at times."
"But we were all right with that. We could match them, at least, at the football and we had no fears when it came to the naughty bits."
However in true Auld style Bertie remembers being surrounded by Leeds players after he had dished out a bit of Glaswegian justice to one such bully. As the players remonstrated with gallous Auld his reply was succinct. "There's plenty more where that came from". Auld growled at the Yorkshire terriers.
There were many Celtic heroes that night, and although most of the plaudits from this game are generally accorded to Jimmy Johnstone for his abject humiliation of Terry Cooper. However in Bertie's eyes, Bobby Murdoch was the stand out performer during the second leg victory, scoring the equaliser with a trademark rocket and controlling the midfield against Bremner and Giles.
"Murdoch was simply the best in the world at that right-half role. He was a great passer, a strong tackler and he could shoot." Murdoch scored what proved to be the winner on a tumultuous day at Hampden. But first Leeds had to be broken. "They were a good side, they dominated English football for a spell. But they were not long in letting you know that.
They felt they were the best in Europe," said Auld.
"Giles, Bremner, Norman Hunter and Jack Charlton could all look after themselves but we were a strong side as well. Big Jock Stein gave us a licence to go for it on the 50-50 balls. When they saw we were not going to take a backward step, we showed them that we could play football."
Mowbray, too, has recent knowledge of his opponents and Auld likes the way the new manager has gone about his business so far.
"Celtic have been bright and entertaining," he says. "The manager has allowed individuals to express themselves. Barry Robson coming back will be like a new signing for Tony.
"But Scott Brown could be the key. If he can turn and run at the Arsenal defence then he could cause problems. He must be given the licence to support the front men."
Wise words from a Legend
Yours in Celtic
Clydebuilt