Club Brugge 0-4 Manchester United – Player Ratings
Manchester United comprehensively booked their place in this year Champions League with a ruthless performance against Club Brugge. The Reds controlled the game from the start and Wayne Rooney answered his critics by netting a hat-trick against his Belgian opponents. Ander Herrera also started his first game of the season and the Spaniard gave Louis Van Gaal a selection headache after scoring and assisting in the game.
GK. Manchester United. SERGIO ROMERO. 6. Romero made a great save in the first half to deny what seemed like a certain goal for Brugge. Nearly gifted a chance to his opponents after throwing the ball to a Brugge player. The Argentine remained hesitant whenever the ball was at his feet
7. The Italian wasn’t required much offensively but continued to overlap Mata to provide support. Steady in defence and is proving to be an excellent signing for United. RB. Manchester United. MATTEO DARMIAN
CB. Manchester United. CHRIS SMALLING. 7. With United bossing the game, not much was required of the Englishman tonight but dealt with all threats effectively. Smalling was solid both in the air and on the ground and looks more and more impressive after each game
6.5. The Dutchman continues to develop a good partnership with Smalling in the centre of defence however, looks uncomfortable when dealing with aerial balls, which led to a few shaky moments. His passing was effective and played a good pass into Memphis during the build-up to United’s opener. CB. Manchester United. DALEY BLIND
Shaw was solid in defence and used his pace to recover whenever he was caught out of position. His link up play with Memphis was poor at times but they recovered to form an effective partnership down the left hand side. LB. Manchester United. LUKE SHAW. 7.5
6.5. Poor start to the game, giving away possession all too easily with some wayward passing. Improved as the game went on to pull the strings from the base of United’s midfield with a particularly assured performance in the second half. CM. Manchester United. MICHAEL CARRICK
Manchester United. ANDER HERRERA. 7.5. The Spaniard had a nervy first half in his first start of the season and was booked early on after a couple of rash challenges. Started the second half behind Rooney and looked much better in an advanced position. Unselfishly assisted Rooney for his second and netted one himself with a composed finish to wrap up the game for United. CM
8. Came alive in the second half with some incisive passing in the final third. Played a slick ball into Rooney for his hat-trick. Constantly looked to create chances for his team-mates with some intelligent play and adds elegance to the attack. RW. Manchester United. JUAN MATA
Januzaj was virtually anonymous on his return to Belgium, creating little of note in the final third. Terribly disappointing first touch led to several attacks falling short. Replaced at half-time by Schweinsteiger. CAM. Manchester United. ADNAN JANUZAJ. 5.5
Manchester United. MEMPHIS DEPAY. 7. After his sparkling performance in the first leg, the Brugge defenders looked hesitant every time he got on the ball. The Dutchman was a constant live-wire in attack and looked dangerous when running at his opponents. Found Rooney with a remarkable pass to open the scoring for United. LW
The United talisman silenced his doubters with a fantastic performance. Showed great confidence to dink the ball over the keeper for his first and composure to slot the ball home for his second. A fine finish under the keeper completed his hat-trick and didn’t look like a player ending a ten game goal drought. Rooney is lethal when given the service he was provided tonight and this could be the game that kickstarts his season. ST. Manchester United. WAYNE ROONEY. 9.5
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Substitutes:
7.5. Came on at half-time to replace the ineffective Januzaj and played what was probably his best half in a United shirt. Added control to the midfield and played a sensational defence splitting pass to put Herrera in for the fourth. CM. Manchester United. BASTIAN SCHWEINSTEIGER
RW. Manchester United. ASHLEY YOUNG. 6.5. Replaced Mata in the final minutes of the game but characteristically worked hard and played a few inviting balls into the box. Should have had an assist after providing a great ball only for Hernandez to fluff the opportunity
5. Came on for Herrera and had a truly terrible time on the field. Took United’s penalty but slipped during his run up causing him to miss the target entirely. Had a chance to make amends but skied a sitter with an awful miss. After this performance, the Mexican should be satisfied with a place on the bench. ST. Manchester United. JAVIER HERNANDEZ