Roberto Martinez hailed Eden Hazard for setting the standard as captain after the Chelsea forward shone in a comprehensive 4-0 win against Scotland.
Hazard was the standard bearer for the Red Devils' attacking prowess before being replaced in the 56th minute.
"I don't see that as a negative. He's in a good moment and he's carried on from where he was in the World Cup," he said.
"When you're a captain, you have to set the standard in that sort of manner. It's dangerous when you go into a football match not giving everything.
"Hazard is giving what you want from a captain. I don't think there was anything wrong with him trying to find the right space and drag people out."
Opposite number Alex McLeish oversaw Scotland's biggest home defeat in over 45 years.
Bar Hazard's strike, all of Belgium's goals were largely of Scotland's own doing with some poor passing and lapses in concentration proving costly.
"Mistakes cost us. We were doing okay in the first half and we made a mistake and lost the goal," he said.
"It was just a catalogue of errors. If anybody's got to take the blame, it's me for telling them they have to pass it.
"It's harsh lessons, big lessons for the young ones especially, but they should not be downhearted as they were up against a top team.
"It looked the best choice of opposition for me. We've got to test ourselves."
