Memphis Depay inspired Manchester United to a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge in the first leg of their Champions League play-off.
The Dutch footballer struck two first-half goals and then assisted substitute Marouane Fellaini to score the third one in the added-time. The summer signing from PSV Eindhoven scored his first goals in United colors and marked his arrival at Old Trafford will further strengthen the squad.
The 21-year-old made his Premier League debut on eighth of August in their season opener against Tottenham Hotspur and he was substituted after 68 minutes. The athlete was given the iconic number 7 shirt, previously worn by club legends such as Bryan Robson, David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Belgian club took a surprise lead in the opening minutes of the match when United’s Michael Carrick stuck out a foot and diverted Victor Vazquez free kick past the goalkeeper Sergio Romero. Club Brugge’s supporters had something to celebrate though it was an own goal. The visitors have never won a contest on the English soil.
The home side leveled the score within five minutes when United’s new number 7 scored his first goal for the club with a dazzling display of skill, controlling the ball on his chest, flicking it over the opponent and dodging several defenders before a low shot into the bottom corner. About two minutes before the interval, Depay scored his second of the evening and gave the commanding lead to his team.
Club Brugge, who arrived in England with a long injury list, failed to settle with their reserves and suffered another blow when captain Timmy Simons limped off. They later lost center-back Mechele for the second leg after his dismissal in the 80th minute for a second yellow card.
The Dutchman then crossed for Fellaini to head home just before the final whistle. The Reds are firm favorites to progress to the group stage ahead of the next week’s second leg in Bruges. IMAGE/theguardian
