Louis van Gaal thinks Manchester United can take confidence from Marouane Fellaini’s late goal in the 3-1 victory over Club Brugge.

United trailed early on at Old Trafford to the Belgian side thanks to Michael Carrick’s own goal but a Memphis Depay brace put the home side ahead in the Champions League play-off first leg encounter.

However, the tie was still evenly poised until virtually the last kick of the match when Fellaini headed home Memphis’ cross, a goal which hands United the initiative heading into next week’s second leg in Bruges.

Van Gaal said after the victory: “Fellaini’s goal makes a difference because 2-1 is a very difficult result. We deserved much more because we created a lot of chances.

“Memphis is 21 and has only played two seasons for PSV but I have confidence in him. I want to kiss him, because when you score two goals and give an assist also, then normally in the world you are the hero.”

It was not all good news for United though as captain Wayne Rooney failed to score for the third game in a row this season.

The 29-year-old England international has not now found the net for United in his last nine appearances and was replaced by Fellaini in the closing stages on Tuesday.

Manchester United, 6.50 to win the Premier League title outright this season, face Newcastle in their next match on Saturday. Van Gaal’s side are 1.36 to win the game while a Newcastle victory is available at 9.00 and the draw at 5.00.