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Memphis Depay was the star of the show last night as his two sumptuous goals helped Manchester United to a 3-1 victory over Club Brugge in the first leg of their Champions League play-off.
Considering it was his first appearance for Manchester United on a European night, his accomplished display at Old Trafford came as something of a surprise.
However, his football boots seemed to have predicted what would happen.
Prior to the match, Depay posted an image that showed that on the laces were the words: "Score my first Champions League goal".
Show all 14 1 /14Manchester United 3 Club Brugge 1 player ratings Manchester United 3 Club Brugge 1 player ratings Sergio Romero A less than impressive display from United’s No1. Could have got down quicker to palm out Carrick’s deflected effort and was very lucky his calamitous error from a Darmian back-pass was not punished. 5/10
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Manchester United 3 Club Brugge 1 player ratings Matteo Darmian A smart, energetic display by the right-back. Unlike his colleague on the other flank he got back smartly to cover the pacey Diaby but did not allow Brugge’s threat to curb his attacking enthusiasm. 7
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Manchester United 3 Club Brugge 1 player ratings Chris Smalling Another rock-solid performance from the centre-back, who showed sharp positional sense when Brugge looked to counter. 7
Manchester United 3 Club Brugge 1 player ratings Daley Blind Looks to be an ideal centre-back in a Van Gaal side, he brings the ball forward neatly from the back and, whilst his pace was at times exposed, he positioned himself well. 6
Manchester United 3 Club Brugge 1 player ratings Luke Shaw Consistently found wanting defensively as Dierckx slipped in behind time and again. As exciting as he can be in attack he was a liability at the back. 5
Manchester United 3 Club Brugge 1 player ratings Morgan Schneiderlin Already looking like the foundation on which United can build their midfield in the years to come. Intercepted and tackled well, providing the energy and drive his more senior colleagues could not. 7
Manchester United 3 Club Brugge 1 player ratings Juan Mata Though he remains a creative threat he looks somewhat neutered on the right flank. His game was rather one-track, drifting infield and passing the ball elsewhere. 6
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Manchester United 3 Club Brugge 1 player ratings Michael Carrick Lacked the pace to deal with Brugge’s counters and on more than one occasion panicked when the opponent’s pressed high up the field. Put himself in a poor position as he deflected in the opener. 4
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Manchester United 3 Club Brugge 1 player ratings Adnan Januzaj Failed to build on a pleasing appearance at Villa Park, with wayward passing and poor decision-making marring his game. Once more his willingness to go down under the slightest of contact blighted his performance. 5
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Manchester United 3 Club Brugge 1 player ratings Memphis Depay What a thrilling performance from the forward. From the moment he crafted his wonderful opener, beating five players before firing in, he played with menace and drive. Deserved a hat-trick and with more patience in front of goal he would have had it. 8
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Manchester United 3 Club Brugge 1 player ratings Wayne Rooney Two contrasting halves from the United skipper. In the first he was anonymous and off the pace. In the second he looked re-energised, with a beautiful back-heeled flick from a Shaw cross showing he still has the skill to wow. 6
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Manchester United 3 Club Brugge 1 player ratings Bastian Schweinsteiger Shielded the back four without much difficulty in the second half. He still looks very slow but showed real leadership, pointing and positioning his colleagues throughout. 7
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Manchester United 3 Club Brugge 1 player ratings Javier Hernandez An energetic addition late on, his hard-running forced Brugge defender Mechele into a careless foul; the red card he received effectively ended the threat of an equaliser. 6
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Manchester United 3 Club Brugge 1 player ratings Marouane Fellaini His 10 minute cameo may have decided the tie. The opposition could not deal with his physicality and his headed goal gave United the breathing room that they may well need. 7
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But before Manchester United fans start urging Depay to write "Win the league", "Glazers out" or "Get on with it and sign Pedro" it should be noted that his laces aren't always right.
Prior to the first game of the season, Depay wore laces that read: "Score my first EPL (Premier League) goal".
He didn't.
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