Manchester United player ratings vs Club Brugge: Martial grabs crucial away goal
Anthony Martial struck a crucial away goal for Manchester United in their 1-1 draw with Club Brugge.
United were off to a disastrous start in their round-of-32 fixture against Club Brugge, with Emmanuel Bonaventure giving the home side the lead inside 15 minutes.
With Nemanja Matic thinking he’d won a corner, Simon Mignolet‘s quick thinking released Bonaventure on goal, who only had to chip the ball over an onrushing Sergio Romero.
More from Manchester United
- Four forwards Manchester United might like to replace Cristiano Ronaldo
- Cristiano Ronaldo hits out at Manchester United
- Aston Villa vs. Man United: How Erik ten Hag can replace Bruno Fernandes
- Real Sociedad 0-1 Manchester United: Three talking points
- A few pointers to the Cristiano Ronaldo issue at Manchester United
The Red Devils appeared listless for most of the first half after the opener, with Brugge continuing to threaten whenever they ventured forward. Eventually, Anthony Martial latched on to a loose throw-in by Brugge youngster De Cuyper, grabbing United’s equalizer with less than 10 minutes to go in the first half.
The second half saw Brugge control more possession, but United looked dangerous when they countered. Odion Ighalo was introduced with more than 20 minutes to go, but couldn’t make a difference.
Bruno Fernandes was again impressive even though he played fewer minutes than anyone else on the pitch. The 25-year-old posed a goal threat every time he had the ball, and could have easily scored given more time.
United will go into the return leg as favorites to qualify thanks to the away goal. Let’s take a look at how individual players performed at the Jan Breydel Stadium.
GK: Sergio Romero 5/10
Romero was uncharacteristically hasty for Brugge’s goal, rushing outside the penalty box and allowing Bonaventure to chip him. He had little to do for most of the game, but made a couple of important saves from tight angles to keep United in the game.
His mistake notwithstanding, Romero should continue being United’s starter in the Europa League.