 |
| Memphis Depay was the star of the show as he scored two of Man United's goals |
MANCHESTER UNITED'S eagerly-awaited return to Europe did not go to plan - despite two moments of magic from Memphis Depay.
It took a last-gasp goal from sub Maraoune Fellaini to boost their hopes of clinching a place in the Champions League group stages and a £50m jackpot.
Depay lived up to the Cristiano Ronaldo comparisions with two solo goals that the Real Madrid superstar would have been proud of.
But he marred his night by blazing over his best chance of the night to miss out on a hat-trick and it was left to Fellaini - on for Wayne Rooney - to give United a two-goal cushion.
United had to come from behind, but even against 10 men for the final 10 minutes, after Brandon Mechele’s red card for two cautions, they struggled to get the third goal - until Fellaini’s header from Depay’s cross.
Wayne Rooney’s frustration continued as he went a ninth club game without a goal but Van Gaal's decision to replace him with Fellaini six minutes from time paid off.
Van Gaal kept an unchanged team for United's return to Europe with Januzaj in the 'No 10' role again after scoring the winner at Villa Park.
And no doubt boosted by the vote of confidence from his manager, Januzaj made a lively start.
 |
| Javier Hernandez came on for Adnan Januzaj in the second half |
 |
| Wayen Rooney takes a shot from distance |
He created a chance in the very first minute with Rooney inches away from ending his barren spell in front of goal.
Then Januzaj broke away to set up Depay but his shot took a deflection and gave keeper Sebastien Bruzzese an easy catch.
But United suffered a major shock after eight minutes when they fell behind in bizarre circumstances.
Victor Vazquez's free-kick was poorly hit and took a deflection off Januzaj with Carrick appearing to be caught in two minds as he slipped and deflected the ball into his own net with goalkeeper Sergio Romero stranded.
But it took United only five minutes to equalise with Carrick making amends with the 'assist' - although Depay deserved all the glory for the first of his two first half solo goals.
He flicked Carrick's pass over Dion Cools on the turn, held off Tuur Dierckx's challenge, sent two other defenders the wrong way before sliding a precise shot into the far corner of the net.
It was a memorable first United goal for the Dutch youngster and it was vital to settle United's early nerves.
Although Bruges looked the easiest draw United could have had, Van Gaal warned they were dangerous opponents. And the Belgium League runners-up looked a well-drilled, efficient outfit who proved no push overs although United enjoyed the bulk of possession.
Rooney's close range shot was cleared off the line by Vazquez and the United captain then glanced a header wide.
Januzaj looked to have a legitimate claim for a penalty when clearly pushed over in the area by Oscar Duarte before Bruges served a reminder of their danger on the break when Dierckx sent over a low cross that skidded through United's six yard box without any of his team-mates far enough in advance to convert.
But just as Bruges looked set to reach the break still level, Depay produced some more magic.
Daley Blind's precise pass opened up the Bruges defence allowing Depay to cut inside Cools before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the corner of the net.
Van Gaal made a change at half-time with Bastien Schweinsteiger replacing Michael Carrick.
Depay continued to be United’s most dangerous player. Once again he cut in from the left and his run ended with a low shot that Bruzzesse parried.
But if United thought the belgians would collapse in the second half they were mistaken.
And they gave the visitors encouragement on the hour when keeper Sergio Romero hesitated as Matteo Darmian played a the ball back to him and Vazquez almost beat him to it.
Depay wasted a chance to complete his hat-trick when he blazed over a gaping net after Luke Shaw’s barnstorming run and Rooney’s delightful flick had set him up with an opening far easier than either of his first half goals.
With United desperate for another goal, Van Gaal sent on Javier Hernandez for his first appearance for 16 months.
United were boosted when Bruges were reduced to 10 men for the final 10 minutes when Mechele was dismissed for a second caution.
But with United still struggling to make the breakthrough, Van Gaal took off skipper Rooney and sent on Fellaini with six minutes left.
And it was Fellaini who popped up with a vital goal in the dying seconds.
Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Romero; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Shaw; Carrick (Schweinsteiger 46), Schneiderlin; Mata, Januzaj (Hernandez 71), Depay; Rooney(Fellaini 84).
Goals: Depay 13, 43, Fellaini 90.
Booked: Damian.
Bruges (4-1-3-2): Bruzzese; Cools, Mechele, Duarte, De Bock; Simons (Claudemir 40); Vormer, Vazquez, Mbombo; Dierckx, Diaby.
Goal: Carrick own goal 8.
Booked: Mbombo.
Sent off: Mechele
Referee: D Aytekin (Ger)
Post a Comment Blogger Facebook Disqus