What better way for United to re-join the Champions League group stages than a four nil thumping of Club Brugge in their own stadium. Here’s how the players did and what I think of their performances:
Romero – 8
Owned the box well clearing balls and grabbing corners or free kicks. Only had to deal with one shot on target, a one on one with the up and coming Abdoulay Diaby but made himself big and hard to get past. Was able to push the ball away from Diabys feet twice before reinforcements cleared the ball. A keeper with growing confidence.
Darmian – 7
Another tidy defensive display from the Italian international. Wasn’t as involved offensively as we have previously seen but didn’t really have to be with the way the forwards were playing. A good rounded performance.
Smalling – 8
Another stellar performance from The Maidstone Maldini. Even when under pressure he looks calm on the ball before passing or clearing it. If he keeps playing this way for a few years, he could be a shoe-in for future United captain.
Blind – 7
Another tidy, no nonsense display from the make-shift defender. Switched off for a second to allow Diaby a one on one with Romero but got back to help his keeper out in the end. Other than that, another clean sheet for the Dutchman.
Shaw – 8
For a left back who just loves to drive forward, I’m still surprised this young lad has never scored a goal. Looked like he was about to get his first early on in the game only for the keeper to smother the ball. Was constantly making runs down the flank while getting back to cover well defensively.
Carrick – 7
He did what Carrick does best. Stayed out of the spotlight but kept Club Brugge at bay. Partnered well with Schweinsteiger in the second half and was good to see him play the full 90 minutes. Once again the unsung hero of United”tts midfield.
Herrera – 8
Looked too eager and excited in the first half when alongside Carrick in a deep lying role resulting in a booking in the 12th minute. However when he was moved up behind Rooney for the second half he completely changed the game. He set up Rooney for his second goal, played a part in the third before even scoring himself, keeping his composure during a one on one with the Brugge keeper. And that was all in 18 minutes. Fantastic game for the creative Spaniard.
Mata – 7
Another good performance from Mata whilst not being the centre of attention. Made good runs and tidy displays we’ve come to expect. Highlight of his night was the beautiful through ball for Rooney to slot home.
Januzaj – 6
Started in the number ten position again but much like the first leg and the game against Newcastle, was making runs but just no real hard contributions. Was taken off at half time.
Memphis – 8
Another great performance from United’s young superstar but not in the way people would have expected. I said recently that Memphis needed to pass more instead of always shooting. Well despite not scoring tonight, it was his beautiful through ball that allowed Rooney to open the scoring before playing a lovely game of one two with Herrera to set up Rooney for his second. A selfless performance that wont go unnoticed.
Rooney – 9
What a night for the United and England captain. He truly shut up all the papers and pundits who had suggested he was past his prime with an impressive hat trick. I especially loved the cheeky dink over the Brugge goalkeeper. Easily could have scored more goals if not for impressive saves or being non-selfish and allowing Hernandez to have the penalty. Rightly man of the match and is getting pretty close to those Sir Bobby Charlton goal records.
Substitutes
Schweinsteiger – 8
Came on at the start of the second half to fill in beside Carrick. Was the first match where he has partnered Carrick protecting the back four but you would’t have guessed. Made his mark in midfield but that long pass to Herrera to set up his goal was exquisite.
Young – 6
Came on just after the hour mark. Didn’t contribute too much to the game other than a cross to Hernandez that beat the Brugge keeper and defence that really should have bagged himself an assist.
Hernandez – 3
Had around half an hour to make his mark on the game but would have been better if he stayed on the bench. Was allowed to take the penalty before slipping and putting the ball wide. Followed this up when he skied a Ashley Young cross well over the bar from four yards out with the keeper beat. Another poor showing from Chicharito.
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