Memphis Celebrates scoring at Old Trafford
As the Champions league anthem rang out loudly around Old Trafford for the first time in more than a year, Manchester United were seen as favourites to beat Belgium side Club Brugge and progress to the group stage of the Champions League. United however endured perhaps their worst possible start to their European campaign, as 8 minutes in they were knocked 1-0 down. A free kick for Brugge, 30 yards from goal, was whipped in, deflecting off of Adnan Januzaj and then again off of Michael Carrick, leaving Sergio Romero helpless.
Manchester United hit back soon after though, with a very impressive goal from new man Memphis. The number 7 controlled a pass from Michael Carrick with his chest, flicking it over the first Brugge defender, faking twice past three opposition players in the box, before drilling it low into the bottom right corner.
Progressively Manchester United seemed to take control as they grew more and more into the game, efforts from Juan Mata and Wayne Rooney troubled the Brugge goal. Memphis had a superb chance one on one however misjudged his pass to Juan Mata to finish it off. Manchester United then took the lead for the first time, just before the break. Daley Blind played a great through ball to Memphis getting him in behind the back line, before cutting back onto his right foot and then curling into the far corner to make it 2-1. Old Trafford went wild.
Shaw and Blind celebrate with Memphis
The second half was similar to the first, the reds were mainly in control with Brugge looking dangerous on the counter. Memphis spurned a chance to complete a hattrick after a superb move from Luke Shaw linking up with Captain Rooney which left Memphis with an easy chance, only to fire over. United were lucky not to concede a second, as the referee disallowed a goal due to an injury to Sergio Romero after a collision with the opposition striker.
Brugge player Mechele was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 80th minute after a foul on Javier Hernandez. More controversy was to follow as with seemingly no time left entering the final 93rd minute and seemingly the ref about to blow his whistle, he allowed one more cross to be whipped into the box from Memphis which brilliantly found Fellaini who headed home. Game over. Sighs of relief rang around Old Trafford as they now had a vital two goal lead.
The goal scorers Memphis and Fellaini give their post-match reaction
"It is really important we win the game, we created a lot of chances" was the tune sang by the new number 7 "I feel disappointed I could not finish the last two chances". Manchester United boss Louis Van Gaal was just as delighted as his players with the win and also for Memphis to open his United scoring account: "I am very happy for Memphis,because a player needs that, i said it is only a matter of time and hopefully he shall continue"
No comments:
Post a Comment