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A Wayne Rooney-inspired Manchester United beat Belgium’s Club Brugge 4-0 in what could be a turning point for the England captain as he ended his goal drought. It was a match that was controlled by United throughout with Brugge doing little to keep their chances alive. United started the game with one change to their line-up that had played the first leg, with Morgan Schneiderlin dropping to the bench and Ander Herrera getting the nod.
It could be called Rooney’s game as he looked dangerous, linking up well with Memphis Depay and Juan Mata. But Adnan Januzaj had an off night. Javier Hernandez failed to convert a penalty chance and did not look convincing in the box.
We analyze and rate Manchester United players' individual performances.
Sergio Romero – 7/10
The Argentine goalkeeper was tested very few times during the game, but he was seen making the same mistakes as he made in the first leg. He was unable to pass to ball to his intended target on multiple occasions which could have cost United. But Club Brugge could not make the most of their opportunities and never came close to troubling Romero in goal save for one big chance when Romero’s smart reflexes whipped the ball off Diaby’s feet to maintain United’s first half lead.
Even though the Argentina international kept a clean sheet in the game, he was far from convincing. Romero cannot play with the ball at his feet and it was evident. Van Gaal should be worried about his passing skills as it can cost United in the big games.
Matteo Darmian – 7.5/10
Another solid performance from the new right-back away from home. He had his positioning spot on while defending, tracking his runners and keeping a check on any passes beyond him. He was impressive while on the attack as he linked up with Juan Mata on United’s right. His interceptions and speed make him one of the best players on the pitch for the Red Devils. He was well matched by fellow teammates Daley Blind and Chris Smalling.
The United defence did so well that whatever little attacking threat Brugge mounted, the defenders had all the answers.
Chris Smalling – 7/10
He was again the best defensive performer of the game. Several of Brugge’s attacks were met by Chris Smalling who dealt effectively with everything they had to throw at him. He made almost no errors in the game and showed why he has been United’s player of the match in their four games so far.
At times, he showed great anticipation stepping out of the backline when needed to intercept or make a foray forward. He also tried making the runs into the midfield to assist the forward line.
Daley Blind – 7/10
As composed as he is on the ball he looked nervy when his opponents attacked him. He nearly let Brugge back into the tie with a careless header in the first half and was lucky his opponents merely focused on stopping the rout in the second period.
The Dutch player has grown into his new role. He did not do much out of the ordinary but went about his business with sufficient grace while also covering for Luke Shaw a number of times while the Englishman forayed forward leaving spaces behind him.Blind has also shown he can play well in the central defensive role but struggles with aerial duels.
Luke Shaw – 7.5/10
The former Southampton left-back produced a pleasing display on the night. He defended and intercepted well but was even more effective in attack, creating several chances early on in the game. Shaw will be pleased he finally put in an impressive performance after having tough games in the Premier League. He looked convincing at the back and also in attack, finally showing why he cost United that much money.
Michael Carrick – 6/10
A solid, calm presence on a night where United could have given in to nerves when Brugge pressed high early on. His distribution from deep was as excellent as ever, but there was no major impact that he made in the game as he usually does with his dynamic movement and simple passing.
He was not well into the game and he sat in front of the back four most of the time even when United were on the attack.
Ander Herrera – 8/10
The Spanish midfielder looked impressive in the start he was given by manager Van Gaal. He created chance after chance as he linked up well with Mata, Rooney and Memphis. He was delighted after scoring United’s fourth goal and was substituted only moments after the goal.
An early booking kickstarted a tough first-half for the returning midfielder. It didn’t get much better than when he fell over the ball in the box, but he recovered well in the second half, grabbing an assist and a goal. He kept United’s pressure on with his forward runs and wide range of passing, even though he was marked well by Brugge.
Juan Mata – 7/10
Though his eagerness to pass rather than shoot gave Rooney chances to add to his tally, it also made the attacker a touch too predictable with Brugge able to give him space in shooting positions. Mata was very good on the night, but you still sense he could be better with more goalscoring drive.
The Spaniard had an impressive run-out but failed to convert opportunities and score. While he showed the desire and grit that set him apart in previous appearances, he was always a part of the United attack. He created a goal for Rooney and turned out to be the brightest of United midfielders.
Adnan Januzaj – 6/10
After impressing in his last outings, he was expected to bring his A-game on a night where United needed to win. But his decision making let him down this time. He squandered many opportunities after the team found themselves in good attacking positions, misplaced passes and looked off-colour. If he is to consistently find a place in this team he will have to phase out the inconsistency from his game.
Memphis Depay – 7/10
Memphis did not produce anything extraordinary in a game that was always United’s to win after Depay set up Rooney for their first goal on the night. He looked full of attacking enthusiasm as he had in the first leg and played a key role in the important first goal. He was a little slow to get into the game but showed his class as the game progressed. United seemed relaxed after the first half and so did Memphis.
Wayne Rooney – 9/10
After talking about playing Marouane Fellaini in the striker role, Louis van Gaal put his faith in Wayne Rooney up front once again and it finally paid off. The England captain finished his 10-match goalscoring drought with a superb hat-trick in United’s time of need. He was seen exploiting a tired home side eager to get off the pitch to build some valuable confidence.
His first goal opened the floodgates and two more came for him easily. Brugge’s defence were shattered in the second half and United made the most of their opportunities. All three goals were scored with fine finishing touches to silence his critics. He got behind defenders and led the attack very well and his finishing and composed passing easily made him the man of the match.
Substitutes
Bastian Schweinsteiger – 7/10
The German came on for Adnan Januzaj at the start of the second half, just like in the first leg. He showed a good rapport with Herrera and Carrick in midfield and sprayed the ball about well. He was brought on to shut down the tie but soon embraced the counter-attacking opportunities his hosts provided him. His through-ball for Herrera’s goal was spectacular but he nearly trumped it with a delicate chip that floated just wide. He looks set to start regularly, but he is still preferred as a substitute in Van Gaal’s side.
Ashley Young – 6/10
Ashley Young came into the game in the place of Juan Mata late into the second half. He was seen providing little to the team going forward and played out of position when Brugge attacked late in the game. Apart from his two excellent crosses from the right flank, the England international was not seen participating in any real opportunities when was expected to be in top form to fight for a place in the starting eleven.
Javier Hernandez – 5/10
‘Little Pea’ had a horrendous night in Belgium. He came on as a substitute in place of Herrera with half an hour to go but his chance to impress Van Gaal will be defined by a slip when he was taking a penalty. Add to that, he missed a sitter late into the game when Ashley Young flashed an excellent cross from the right wing.
His confidence at United seems irretrievably damaged under Van Gaal. It will be interesting to see what is in store for the Mexican, who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid.
