Louis van Gaal handed Ander Herrera his first start of the season in Manchester United's 4-0 victory over Brugge in Belgium, and the Spaniard did not let his manager down.
Herrera laid Wayne Rooney on for his third goal and added the team's fourth with a calm finish following a brilliant through ball by Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Van Gaal was reluctant to praise the former Athletic Bilbao man, who was far more effective when playing in the No. 10 position following Adnan Januzaj's withdrawal at half-time.
"He started not so good," said Van Gaal.
"He had a lot of ball losses and also a yellow card, so at that moment I wanted to change him, but then I saw he was coming back.
"And after that moment he plays a good match on the 'double six' position, but later on at 10 he was better. So I'm very pleased also for him."
Rooney, meanwhile, is looking forward to leading the club in Europe's biggest club competition after a painful one-year hiatus.
"To go through to the group stage after being out of it last year is a great result. We look forward to the draw now tomorrow," the striker said.
"It was a big disappointment last year not to challenge in it. We didn't think it would be as comfortable as it was, but it was vital we went through any way we could.
"Over the two legs we deserved that. We'll enjoy the draw and it is nice to be back in there again."
Club Brugge coach Michel Preud'homme was impressed by United's display.
He said: "This team has everything -- technical quality, physical quality in power and endurance, and of course they have the mentality."