Memphis Depay hits two in 3-1 Manchester United win over Club Brugge

It was a big night at Old Trafford, as Manchester United returned to European competition. The players knew this only too well and most of them turned up for the occasion. Memphis Depay was the man who took the headlines. The Dutch youngster hit two goals to open his Manchester United account to save the blushes of teammate Michael Carrick who had opened the scoring for Club Brugge having deflected the ball into his own net.

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The Carrick goal was an odd one because Romero really should have saved it. It was a free-kick taken by former Barcelona man Vasquez. Romero left a huge gap at his near post and could only watch it trickle past the line having bounced off Carrick who was trying to clear it.

Carrick was not top of his game on the night and so was substituted for Bastian Schweinsteiger at half-time who looked much better in the second-half.

Memphis Depay scored two good goals but the second was the pick of the bunch. It was curled in beautifully by the Dutchman. Carrick was involved in the first goal though, putting Depay in with a lovely weighted aerial ball that Depay controlled easily to smash the ball in past the goalkeeper.

Louis van Gaal had said before the game on BT Sport:

"“There is a lot of pressure for us but we have to cope with it. We need experience and we can’t lose the ball unnecessarily. In the last two matches we are too easily losing the ball.”"

This memo was sent to the team clearly as the ball was rarely lost and when it was the team made sure to make up ground and win it back. Luke Shaw was the best at this – setting off on a run after winning the ball back in his own half and creating a goalscoring opportunity.

Club Brugge meanwhile played a high-pressing game and went for a high-line which did test and open up the Manchester United defence a number of times. The case for signing another centre back grew stronger as the game went on. Luke Shaw seriously impressed on the night with his speedy runs and willingness to get back and forward.

Rooney had another miserable night, more involved but still nine games without a goal. He made a few good runs and scored style points for a deft back-heel that Memphis then skied over the bar but other than that it was another difficult night for the Manchester United captain.