MANCHESTER United aim to wrap up a place in the Champions League group stages on Wednesday against Brugge. Chris Graham (@chrisgraham79) looks at the odds.
Club Brugge v Manchester United | Wednesday 19:45 | BT Sport Europe
Memphis Depay was the headline act in last week's first leg as Manchester United took a 3-1 victory into this encounter. From their four competitive matches so far this season it was the liveliest. But again it was hardly a walk in the park, a last minute goal saw them open up a two goal cushion.
Louis Van Gaal's side were so slow on Saturday against Newcastle but that was partly to do with the North East side gleefully ceding possession. The nature of this match will be different as the Belgians have to pursue an attacking agenda. That approach may leave them vulnerable and exposed to the pace of the aforementioned Depay.
A defeat on Saturday to Zulte-Wargem in the league on Saturday was hardly the ideal warm up for this match and I just don't believe that Brugge will feel they have enough to go through here.
United dominated the stats last Tuesday with a 9-1 and 10-1 advantage in the Shots On Target and Corner count respectively and there's clearly a gulf in class.
Michel Preud'homme's side have lost five of their nine competitive matches this season (including Super Cup) and that must be a concern. Does the magic of last season remain?
I do think Manchester United will go into this game confident and relaxed after last week's result and expect them to increase their aggregate lead. Rather than backing them at odds on I'll take the 3/1 on them winning by exactly one goal.
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Club Brugge v Manchester United – Manchester United to win by one goal (3/1 Bet365)
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