January arrival 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.
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 their hopes of building on a 1-1 home draw.
Ighalo becomes the first African player to score for Manchester United in all competitions since Eric Bailly in August 2017 against Swansewa in the Premier League. Super
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 were 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 poise 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.
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.
Man United breeze into Europa last 16
United desperately want a return to the Champions League next season. They trail 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, they look a threat for any potential opponent in Friday’s last-16 draw.
“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.
United return to Premier League action on Sunday with a trip to Everton, while Brugge will look to bounce back against Genk.
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