For five minutes, anxiety started to creep into Old Trafford.
A year out of the champions league seemed like eternity for the fans. They had waited too long to see their darling club dominate Europe again so when they trailed after eight minutes against the second best team in Belgium, the alarm bells started to ring.
The three times European champions went into this qualifying tie off the back of two unconvincing 1-0 wins with many of their fans concerned about the team's tempo and creativity. Genuine questions could be asked about the team's character, especially when they are behind.
Club Brugge's goal, albeit via an unfortunate Michael Carrick own goal was a setback that in the Sir Alex Ferguson days would have been considered a catalyst for better performance and ultimately victory. Under David Moyes, it would have been an entirely different proposition. United too often fell to the floor and failed to respond to going a goal down under his tenure.
Up came Memphis Depay to the rescue. He showed why he is one of Europe hottest talents with two absolute brilliant goals on his champions league debut. Both goals came in similar fashion, with him cutting in from the left and firing home. United hadn't been great, but they led at half-time. The former PSV man had picked a perfect night to shine.
United seemed to have more control of the game when Bastian Schweinsteiger was introduced at the start of the second half. Too many chances were missed with Depay and Smalling being the worst culprits. Louis Van Gaal's side, however, had the maturity and intelligence to finish off the game, and likely the tie, when Marouane Fellaini headed home in the last minute (Fergie's time).
Fellaini, too often last season seen as plan A, was now plan B. Last season, Fellaini was needed as a starter to bully teams and rescue valuable points to get United to this level. He is no longer deemed good enough to be start for a team that has higher standards. But he sure will offer something different in attack especially when the going gets tough.
But I must chip in that United looked a better team with Hernandez and Fellaini (both substitutes) on the pitch as compared to Rooney and Januzaj. Hernandez gave the attack a focal point something which was lacking in Rooney's game. The Mexican international fought for 50/50 balls and pressed the Club Brugge's centre backs effectively. The red card given to Brandon Mechele was through the efforts of the 27 year old.
Memphis was the star with a brace but Chris Smalling, Matteo Darmian and Morgan Schneiderlin had excellent games. The Red Devils looked solid and organized, led in defence by the magnificent Smalling who has significantly improved as a defender. He will, of course, face bigger tests but he has so far acquitted himself very well.
It's refreshing to know that United saved their best performance of the season for this all important game.
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