Fernandes, Ighalo guide Man United to UEL last-16 with 5-0 win over Club Brugge

Goals from Bruno Fernandes, Odion Ighalo, Scott McTominay and Fred saw Manchester United past Club Brugge into the Europa League last 16.

Published : Feb 28, 2020 08:51 IST

Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes celebrates a goal against Club Brugge on Thursday.
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes celebrates a goal against Club Brugge on Thursday.
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Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes celebrates a goal against Club Brugge on Thursday.

Odion Ighalo marked his full Manchester United debut with his first goal for the club as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side swaggered into the last 16 of the Europa League with a 5-0 second-leg win against Club Brugge at Old Trafford.

January loan signing Ighalo came into the side in place of the injured Anthony Martial on Thursday, and the new striker grabbed the second goal in a dominant display against 10 men.

Bruno Fernandes had put United ahead from the penalty spot following a deliberate handball from Brugge defender Simon Deli, who was sent off, dealing a mighty blow to its hopes of building on a 1-1 home draw.

Ighalo netted soon afterwards, before Scott McTominay - in the starting XI for the first time since December - got in on the act. There was time for an unlikely late Fred brace, too, as United coasted through. Brugge goalkeeper Simon Mignolet made fine early saves from Juan Mata and Fernandes in a portent of what was to come.

United was awarded a penalty when defender Deli dived to his left and turned a Daniel James shot past the post with his hand, although referee Serdar Gozubuyuk observed a lengthy VAR check before confirming the red card as Mignolet appeared poised to make a stop behind his team-mate.

Despite the wait, Fernandes kept his composure and confidently sent Mignolet the wrong way with a low spot-kick following a trademark stuttered run-up. Fernandes was instrumental in United's second as he teased the Brugge defence and clipped a clever pass towards Mata, who crossed low for Nigeria striker Ighalo to bundle in.

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The Portugal midfielder then won possession in the left corner before Fred teed up McTominay to drive home the third from the edge of the area. Luke Shaw and Mason Greenwood both went close after the break, before Fred belatedly extended the lead with eight minutes remaining as he tapped in Jesse Lingard's cutback.

The Brazilian improbably then got a fifth with the final kick of the match, placing a left-footed shot past Mignolet to cap a fine United outing.

What does it mean? United breezes into last 16

United desperately wants a return to the Champions League next season. It trails fourth-placed Chelsea in the Premier League by three points, but winning the Europa League provides another route into the continent's premier club competition. On this form, with Fernandes pulling the strings, it looks a threat for any potential opponent in Friday's last-16 draw.

Fabulous Fernandes provides finesse

"Bruno, Bruno," chanted the United fans as Fernandes was substituted in the second half following a heavyweight display. His craft and guile provided the X-Factor that Solskjaer claimed the player would bring to United. His signing looks to have brought some much-needed impetus to the Red Devils.

Daft Deli decision decisive

Quite what was going through Deli's mind when he saw James line up a shot, only he will know. A burning desire to showcase his goalkeeping skills, perhaps? His moment of madness and dismissal completely changed the tone of the tie, setting up an easy day for the home side.

What's next?

United returns to Premier League action on Sunday with a trip to Everton, while Brugge will look to bounce back against Genk.

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