Memphis Depay scored a stunning brace as Manchester United secured a 3-1 win over Club Brugge in their Champions League play-off first leg.
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The winger will be optimistic of another good performance ahead of United’s game against Newcastle United at Old Trafford this weekend, with the Magpies shipping in four goals in their first two Premier League games.
Van Gaal led the chorus of praise for his new star man as he said: “I am very happy for Memphis because a player needs that”, said a delighted Van Gaal. It moved United closer to the lucrative group stage of Europe’s top competition.
Last season Depay had a terrific campaign in the Eredivisie, scoring 28 goals in 40 appearances for PSV Eindhoven. It is a nice feeling to score two goals at Old Trafford.
“That’s a huge difference, going to Brugge with a two-goal advantage as opposed to the one having conceded an away goal”, said Sky Sports pundit Matt Le Tissier, and United’s jubilant celebrations spoke of their relief.
But it was Memphis who made the biggest impact on the night after United midfielder Michael Carrick had deflected a Victor Vazquez free-kick into his own net after eight minutes.
But they will need to pay closer to attention to Depay.
“He’s never satisfied. I like that”, Van Gaal said. “I like that. You have to know what you are doing and also what you can do and then your desire to improve is higher”. He was handed the No. 7 jersey worn by the likes of George Best, Bryan Robson, David Beckham, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo.
United responded within five minutes when Memphis collected a pass from Carrick on his chest, juggled the ball into space and evaded two challengers before netting a low right-foot shot.
Bruges, runner-up in the Belgian league and a European Cup finalist, faded after its strong start and Depay had chances to complete his hat trick in the second half.
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“I think our relationship is starting to build up, we have played a couple of games together and I am starting to understand how he wants to play. They have seen it today”.
