Memphis Depay put on a magical display in last night’s 3-1 win over Club Brugge in the first leg of Champions League final play-off round.
The young Dutchman scored twice and assisted another as the Old Trafford faithful witnessed Champions League football after over a year. The Red Devils missed out on the Champions League last year courtesy of a 7th place finish in 2013-14. Manchester United gained an almost unassailable lead as they scored three against the Blegian side, who are struggling with injuries.
Michael Carrick scored an own goal to give the visitors the away goal advantage in the opening minutes of the tie. Memphis equalized soon after, controlling a Carrick through ball brilliantly, before chipping it over a defender and going on a mazy run into the box which culminated in a composed finish in the bottom corner.
Memphis then put the Red Devils ahead. He got the ball on the left flank, cut inside and took a couple of steps before unleashing a curling effort into the far corner – a simply brilliant finish. The 21-year-old was outstanding in his left wing role, but missed the chance to complete his hattrick when he failed to find the open net from an exquisite Rooney back-heel. Memphis then assisted Fellaini, floating in a brilliant cross from the left wing for the Belgian to head in with the last kick of the game.
.
Manchester United play the second leg of the qualifier on the 27th of August.
Here are last night’s individual highlights of Old Trafford’s rising star – Memphis: