Manchester United took on Belgian side Club Brugge at Old Trafford on Tuesday night. It was the first leg of two in the Champions League play-off round; here’s how the boys in red performed…
Sergio Romero – 4
He may have had a solid two games in the Premier League, but that was a shambles from the Argentinian number one. He could have done a lot more to prevent Michael Carrick’s own goal and almost cost another after failing to come and recieve a pass from Darmian. Not very good at all.
Matteo Darmian – 7
Could easily have registered a higher rating with better end product, but Darmian’s excellent start to his Old Trafford career continued tonight as he provided width in attack and solidarity in defence.
Chris Smalling – 8
Another game, another admirable performance for the man van Gaal calls “Mike”. A rock at the back so far this season, we need an injury free campaign from the Maidstone Maldini if we are to win trophies.
Daley Blind – 8
Again he used his passing qualities well and impressed with his tackling – being outpaced wasn’t a problem either as he used his strength well to compensate what he lacks for speed in his legs. An accomplished performance.
Luke Shaw – 6
A good game going forward, probably excelling Darmian’s crossing and passing in the final third, however he needs to be more aware of goings-on around him as he left Blind exposed down Brugge’s right on more than one occasion. Room for improvement.
Michael Carrick – 8
We don’t know whether he slipped or simply reacted late as he poked the ball into his own net to open the scoring for Club Brugge but he atoned for it with some sublime passing, most notably in assisting Memphis’ first goal
Morgan Schneiderlin – 7
He didn’t set the world alight, but that’s not his job. An incredibly good “shield”, he had a solid first Champions League game and made some good tackles. Not at his finest going forward but was still in the mix.
Adnan Januzaj – 6
Having impressed against Aston Villa with a match-winning goal, Januzaj didn’t really turn up tonight. He did look bright in good areas but didn’t give himself many opportunities to hit a ball goalwards and he overhit a few through-balls.
Juan Mata – 7
Juan was more of a behind the scenes player today than he has been of late, sitting a bit deeper to give Januzaj and Memphis more space to operate in. Threaded some good balls around and linked up well with Rooney and Darmian.
Wayne Rooney – 8
Still awaiting a goal but today was a huge step in the expected direction – he looked fresher and sharper than against Spurs and Villa, most notably providing a delicious, delicate but precise flick to set Memphis up for a third goal, which the Dutchman, alas, didn’t tuck away.
Memphis – 9
A man of the match performance from the young Dutchman; Memphis tonight was what United have been searching for for a season or two now – someone to get right at defenders, take them on and not take no for an answer. His first goal was lovely, but his second was sensational – it echoed Ashley Young in the 8-2 victory against Arsenal and that was quite a hit. He also assisted Fellaini’s third, which could prove crucial over the two legs. Excited is the word with this young man.
Subs
Bastian Schweinsteiger – 8
“Basti” replaced Michael Carrick at half-time and really settled the midfield battle – United were much more fluent in posession under his influence. He had two half-chances, if they can be called that, to thump a traditional Schweinsteiger screamer goalwards but both were defended well. Another excellent game from the German surely leaves him in line to start vs Newcastle
Javier Hernandez – 5
A bit of a nothing performance for the poacher who would usually be scoring in these types of games – perhaps it’s down to lack of first-team action but he offered very little after replacing Januzaj.
Marouane Fellaini – Brilliant
He didn’t play for long enough to warrant being awarded an actual number but it would have been close to a 10. He used his size and stature as well as his skill on the deck to great advantage as he bullied his way through Club Brugge and topped off a brilliant cameo with what could be a pivotal goal with the last touch of the game. Heroic.
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