Manchester United looked a little nervous when they played their first Champions League match in two years. Under Louis van Gaal, the club returned to the biggest stage but were handed a bit of a scare by Club Brugge, who scored first thanks to a deflection from Michael Carrick.
United however, got their stride back and a great performance by Memphis Depay saw the young Dutchman score twice but it took a 90th minute goal from Marouane Fellaini to give the club some breathing room. Brugge didn’t trouble United all that much to be honest but the Red Devils will know that a 2-0 score line for the Belgian outfit will be enough to knock out the English side. The away goal scored by Brugge was crucial.
United haven’t been in the best of forms in the Premier League, in terms of goals scored. They have only two from three games but have kept three clean sheets which will be some good news for the English club. Brugge aren’t in any better form either and lost over the weekend but they are unbeaten at home in their last 10 European ties and beat Panathinaikos 3-0 in their last game.
Phil Jones is still a doubt to face the Belgians while Marcos Rojo is still working on his fitness and could be a part of the game. There are no fresh concerns regarding injuries for the Red Devils as they try to make it into the group stages of the Champions League. Brugge will miss out on the services of Timmy Simmons due to injury and also Brandon Mechele, who was sent off in the reverse fixture.
Club Brugge vs. Manchester United Predicted lineups:
Club Brugge starting XI: Sebastian Bruzzese, Dion Cools, Oscar Duarte, Danny De Fauw, Laurens De Bock, Victor Vazquez, Ruud Vormer, Claudemir, Tuur Dierckx, Abdoulay Diaby, Boli Bolingoli Mbombo
Manchester United starting XI: Sergio Romero, Matteo Darmian, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Luke Shaw, Michael Carrick, Morgan Schneiderlin, Juan Mata, Ashley Young, Memphis Depay, Wayne Rooney
Club Brugge vs. Manchester United Prediction:
The Belgian side look beaten already and Manchester United should have an easy passage into the next round. This shouldn’t be a tough tie for the record English Champions and they should win the match comfortably by a two goal margin but if Brugge does get the first goal, it might lead to some nervous moments for Louis van Gaal’s men. If United score first, the game and the tie are all theirs.