Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal praised Memphis Depay after he scored twice against Club Brugge Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal praised Memphis Depay after he scored twice against Club Brugge

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal said he felt like kissing Memphis Depay after seeing him hit a double in a 3-1 Champions League play-off win at home to Club Brugge.

The Dutchman scored two terrific goals at Old Trafford on Tuesday night to give the hosts a good cushion to take into next week's second leg in Belgium.

Michael Carrick's early own goal had initially put the away side in front but former PSV player Memphis struck quickly to turn the game on its head with two excellent efforts.

I want to kiss him (Memphis) tonight. I'm very happy for him because a player needs that. Louis van Gaal

Marouane Fellaini then added a third in injury time to leave the side from his home country with a bigger deficit to make up.

Van Gaal was thrilled with the impact his biggest summer signing had on the game and said: "I want to kiss him tonight. I'm very happy for him because a player needs that.

"Hopefully he shall continue to score. I have confidence in him. He showed what he can do tonight. He scored two goals and got the assist for the other."

Memphis (left) fires Manchester United level against Club Brugge

Memphis should arguably have had a hat-trick after unselfishly squaring to Adnan Januzaj in the first half when he should have shot instead.

The 21-year-old said: "I'm happy that I scored – and of course I'm happy that we won – but I must admit I'm a bit disappointed because I could have scored the last two chances and got a hat-trick.

"I will think about that tonight and forget about it tomorrow."

Van Gaal was happy to hear Memphis was not entirely content and added: "When you score two goals and the assist also, normally in the world you are the hero.

Memphis celebrates after scoring his side's second goal against Brugge

"For a trainer-coach, it's different. He's never satisfied. I like that. You have to know what you are doing and also what you can do and then your desire to improve is higher. And that's Memphis."

Van Gaal is confident of seeing United into the group phase after the return leg and praised Wayne Rooney's contribution after recent criticism of his performances.

The Dutchman – who substituted Rooney in the closing stages for what he called tactical reasons – said: "He had a shot on target, so I'm happy.

"I don't think that we have a danger because the players shall know that Brugge is a very difficult club to beat.

"They have seen it today. Brugge was very lucky to score a goal because I cannot remember a chance for Brugge."