Match Report: Champions League - Manchester United 3 Club Brugge 1

Two superb Memphis goals powered Manchester United to a 3-1 win over Club Brugge.

It was Brugge who took the lead in the match, when Michael Carrick's outstretched leg attempted to divert a Victor Vazquez free kick away from goal, only to wrong-foot Sergio Romero at the near post and put the ball into his own net.

Depay equalised for Manchester United from a Carrick pass, knocking the ball over a defender's head, juggling the ball, and firing in a shot into the far corner.

Minutes later, it was two, again from Memphis, when he curled in a shot into the same corner, this time from a Daley Blind pass.

In the second half, Romero almost gave Brugge a way back when he inexplicably dawdled on a clearance, and was lucky to win a free kick for a late challenge from Obbi Oulare. The introduction of Bastian Schweinsteiger for Carrick at half-time allowed United to increase their dominance as the match progressed, with Carrick increasingly looking like a spent force as a first-choice midfielder, too slow to make his experience count.

While Brugge came to attack, United were able to exploit the space it afforded them. That meant that Brugge were able to get behind the United defence on a number of occasions, but did not have the talent to exploit the chances. In a positive change for United, they were able to move the ball across the pitch at speed even when faced with a deeper Brugge defence, a notable improvement on previous performances. Of course, it's easier to do that against a side from the Belgian league - however capable Brugge are - compared to most sides in the Premier League.

United will be pleased to come back from a goal down to take an advantage into the second leg, but they would have preferred to more than just a two-goal lead. Brugge have an away goal, and the attacking talent pose a threat at home. Progression to the group stages it not yet certain.

Brandon Mechele saw red for a second yellow card when he dived in late on Javier Hernandez, running away from goal, allowing United the chance to relax for the closing stages of the match. United were unable to properly exploit the advantage, though, and clearly lack the pace and nous that Barcelona's Pedro might ultimately offer them, should Ed Woodward be able to complete the transfer.

Another concern for fans might be the replacement of Rooney with Marouane Fellaini ahead of Ander Herrera, but with only a few minutes remaining, there's little need to read to much into the final substitution. After all, with seconds remaining, Fellaini made it three with a header at the back post.