Rating Manchester United players in the 4-0 win over Club Brugge

Juan Mata was instrumental in setting up his teammates in goalscoring positions

Juan Mata – 7/10

Though his eagerness to pass rather than shoot gave Rooney chances to add to his tally, it also made the attacker a touch too predictable with Brugge able to give him space in shooting positions. Mata was very good on the night, but you still sense he could be better with more goalscoring drive.

The Spaniard had an impressive run-out but failed to convert opportunities and score. While he showed the desire and grit that set him apart in previous appearances, he was always a part of the United attack. He created a goal for Rooney and turned out to be the brightest of United midfielders.

Adnan Januzaj – 6/10

After impressing in his last outings, he was expected to bring his A-game on a night where United needed to win. But his decision making let him down this time. He squandered many opportunities after the team found themselves in good attacking positions, misplaced passes and looked off-colour. If he is to consistently find a place in this team he will have to phase out the inconsistency from his game.

Memphis Depay did not get on the scoresheet but made the pass for Rooney’s first goal

Memphis Depay – 7/10

Memphis did not produce anything extraordinary in a game that was always United’s to win after Depay set up Rooney for their first goal on the night. He looked full of attacking enthusiasm as he had in the first leg and played a key role in the important first goal. He was a little slow to get into the game but showed his class as the game progressed. United seemed relaxed after the first half and so did Memphis.

Wayne Rooney – 9/10

Wayne Rooney scored his first Champions League hat-trick since 2004

After talking about playing Marouane Fellaini in the striker role, Louis van Gaal put his faith in Wayne Rooney up front once again and it finally paid off. The England captain finished his 10-match goalscoring drought with a superb hat-trick in United’s time of need. He was seen exploiting a tired home side eager to get off the pitch to build some valuable confidence.

His first goal opened the floodgates and two more came for him easily. Brugge’s defence were shattered in the second half and United made the most of their opportunities. All three goals were scored with fine finishing touches to silence his critics. He got behind defenders and led the attack very well and his finishing and composed passing easily made him the man of the match.

2004 - Wayne Rooney has scored his first European hat-trick since his Man United debut against Fenerbahce in 2004. Renaissance.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 26, 2015

Substitutes

Bastian Schweinsteiger – 7/10

The German came on for Adnan Januzaj at the start of the second half, just like in the first leg. He showed a good rapport with Herrera and Carrick in midfield and sprayed the ball about well. He was brought on to shut down the tie but soon embraced the counter-attacking opportunities his hosts provided him. His through-ball for Herrera’s goal was spectacular but he nearly trumped it with a delicate chip that floated just wide. He looks set to start regularly, but he is still preferred as a substitute in Van Gaal’s side.

Ashley Young – 6/10

Ashley Young came into the game in the place of Juan Mata late into the second half. He was seen providing little to the team going forward and played out of position when Brugge attacked late in the game. Apart from his two excellent crosses from the right flank, the England international was not seen participating in any real opportunities when was expected to be in top form to fight for a place in the starting eleven.

Javier Hernandez missed three good opportunities to score

Javier Hernandez – 5/10

‘Little Pea’ had a horrendous night in Belgium. He came on as a substitute in place of Herrera with half an hour to go but his chance to impress Van Gaal will be defined by a slip when he was taking a penalty. Add to that, he missed a sitter late into the game when Ashley Young flashed an excellent cross from the right wing.

His confidence at United seems irretrievably damaged under Van Gaal. It will be interesting to see what is in store for the Mexican, who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid.