Manchester United came up smelling of roses after the European Champions League qualifying draw on Friday and, in so doing, dodged a massive bullet.
Because no team wants to play the likes of Lazio or Monaco in the early throes of a new season when they players are still finding their rhythm and anything can happen.
Especially if Manchester United had faced Monaco – one of the 5 possible opponents in the last qualifying round before the tournament proper – there was a very real prospect of a second season without the top club competition in the world at Old Trafford.
Mercifully Manchester United were drawn to face Belgian Club Brugge, who finished top of the Belgian League last season but lost the title in the play-off final. They also reached the quarter finals of The Europa League so they are no pushover.
But Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal will know how important it is to hit the ground running in this one and the home tie in the first leg will be crucial in terms of building a lead.
Louis van Gaal reacted to the draw by saying:
“It will be nice to go back to Belgium, I have good memories of my time playing there for Antwerp. In fact my debut for Antwerp was against Club Brugge and during my time as manager at Barcelona we played them in the group stages.
“Over two legs we have to be confident against any team, we are determined to progress in the competition.”
The first leg is at Old Trafford on 18th August and the return leg eight days later.
