Manchester United vs Club Brugge: Champions League play-off crunch time for Louis van Gaal as United face first-leg challenge

A look ahead to the Champions League fixture at Old Trafford

Alexander Biddle
Tuesday 18 August 2015 10:16 EDT
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Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal
Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal (Getty Images)

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It's a big game for…

Wayne Rooney: It was obvious throughout Manchester United's 1-0 victory over Aston Villa that, as the match progressed, Rooney became more and more frustrated with his involvement in play.

Having made only one touch inside the Aston Villa box over 90 minutes, Rooney will be hoping that those behind him will bring him into the game more against Club Brugge, and that he himself can do more to create chances going forward.

Best stat…

1: It is the first Champions League game being covered by BT Sport since they secured the rights to the competition.

Remember when…

Patrice Evra scored this stunning goal against Bayern Munich in 2014. David Moyes’ men fell at the Quarter-Final stage and haven’t featured in the competition since.

Player to watch…

Memphis Depay: When playing on the wing against Aston Villa, new boy Depay showed glimpses of why Louis van Gaal brought him to the club from PSV Eindhoven. Although the Dutchman’s performance against Villa proved that there is plenty of room for improvement, Depay’s individual showing on the wing rather than behind the striker proved that the talent could shine in the position.

Past three-meetings…

The teams have never met before in Uefa competition. The Belgian club have faced Liverpool twice – losing both times.

Form guide…

Manchester United: WW

Club Brugge: LLWWDW

Vital information…

Kick-off: 7:45pm BST

TV: Live on BT Sport Europe

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