MAN UNITED 3, CLUB BRUGGE 1
Memphis Depay announced his arrival with two goals which helped Manchester United inch their way towards a place in the group phase of the Champions League.
After a quiet opening to his Old Trafford career, the £31million summer signing from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven produced an electrifying display in the first leg of the play-off round at Old Trafford.
And Depay also provided the assist for Marouane Felliani’s injury-time goal which considerably strengthened the Reds’ position before next Wednesday’s return leg in Belgium.
Had United only travelled with a one-goal advantage, it may well have been nerve jangling but, with a cushion of two, they ought to progress assuming there is no horror show.
It was a happy ending to a night which didn’t begin well for United when Michael Carrick scored an early own goal that gave Brugge the lead.
But the manner of the fightback, which was inspired by Depay, suggests they will progress.
United manager Louis van Gaal acknowledged the importance of the third goal explaining: “It makes a difference because 2-1 is a very difficult result.
“We deserved much more because we created a lot of chances. It is what I am always saying, you have to be effective. We had a lot of chances and only three goals.
“I am happy because of the last goal. We have practised that before when we need Fellaini. We put him in the penalty area because he has quality.”
Van Gaal was also delighted for Depay adding: “I am happy for Memphis and I want to kiss him tonight because he scored two goals and also got an assist.
“In a normal world he would be a hero, but for a trainer/coach it is different and we are always looking for him to improve.”
And of Depay’s disappointment at not scoring more goals, van Gaal added: “It makes a difference that he is never satisfied.
“I am happy because when you know what you are doing , what you can do and your desire to improve is high, and that is Memphis.
“I said it was a matter of time and hopefully he shall continue. He is 21 and has only played two seasons for PSV. I have confidence in him.”
And looking ahead to the return, van Gaal said: “It is not a simple opponent. It is still a game but, because of that last goal, I am more confident for us.”
The Reds went with the same starting line up that kicked off Friday’s league game at Aston Villa.
However Belgium Fellaini, currently serving a domestic ban, was available and was handed a place on the bench to provide additional forward option.
Brugge, meanwhile, were beset with injury problems with half a dozen key players ruled out which enhanced United’s prospects of progressing even further. They were already firm favourites to win through to the group phase.
United had the chance to take the lead after 43 seconds when Wayne Rooney, sliding in, just failed to connect with Adnan Januzaj’s low cross.
But it was Brugge who took an unexpected lead in the eighth minute when Carrick scored an unfortunate own goal.
The midfield sliced an attempted clearance from Victor Vazquez’ free kick and from 18 yards diverted the ball low past keeper Sergio Romero.
It provoked a positive response from United who were on level terms within five minutes when Depay opened his account for the club.
Carrick’s raking crossfield pass released Depay on the left and he cut inside past some flimsy challenges before drilling a shot low to the left of keeper Sebastian Bruzzese from just inside the box.
It was a remarkably open game and Brugge could have regained the lead but the unmarked Brandon Mechele could only direct his shot straight at Romero from a corner when he ought to have done better.
Rooney then beat the Brugge keeper with an acrobatic shot only for Vazquez to make a goalline clearance.
Depay struck again just before half time with an even better strike than his opener. He again cut in from the left before unleashing an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box which flew low to the left of keeper Bruzzese.
Van Gaal made a change at the break as the out-of-sorts Carrick was replaced by Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Depay had a chance to complete a hat trick early in the second half. He picked up the ball on half way and surged forward before his 25-yard shot was turned away by Bruzzese diving full length low to his left.
And the livewire Depay ought to have completed his treble midway through the second period.
Luke Shaw won a tackle before breaking down the right, playing a return pass with Juan Mata. His cross was flicked on by Rooney and Depay, free in front of goal, blazed over with the easiest of his chances of the night.
Depay later reflected in the “disappointment” of those two misses as he ougt to have finished with four goals instead of two.
Brugge were reduced to 10 men with 10 minutes left when central defender Mechele was sent off after picking up two booking in the space of seven minutes.
In the latter stages, United threw on both Javier Hernandez and Fellaini in pursuit of a more sizeable lead to take to Belgium next Wednesday.
And Fellaini justified his appearance by scoring the goal with only seconds of the three minutes of added time remaining against the team from his country of birth. It was a dagger in the hearts of the brave Belgians and, ironically, Fellaini scored against Michel Preud’homme, his former manager at Standard Liege.
“When the score was 2-1 you always hope you can win 1-0 at, home, but the last goal was disappointing and makes it harder,” Preud’homme reflected adding it was difficult to stop Fellaini, especially with one player less.