By Chris O'Brien
November 26 2016
Wayne Rooney hit back at his critics with a goal, and a stunning performance, and became the club's top goalscorer in European competition in the process as the Red Devils thumped Feyenoord 4-0.
Rooney grabbed the opening goal of the game on 35 minutes as United claimed an excellent victory over their Dutch adversaries, and took a huge leap to the Europa League knock-out stages in the process.
Former Liverpool 'keeper Brad Jones was beaten by a Rooney chip, with the England frontman latching onto an amazing Zlatan Ibrahimovic pass to grab a 39th goal in European competition - one more than Ruud van Nistelrooy managed.
Rooney's imperious influence continued, as he set up Juan Mata for a critical second goal on 69 minutes, before a Brad Jones own-goal and a curled finish late on from Jesse Lingard made it a convincing victory for the hosts.
A point away at Zorya Luhansk on 8 December will be enough for United to secure safe passage to the tournament's final 32 - and that will only be necessary if Feyenoord beat current group leaders Fenerbahce, for whom Robin van Persie plays.
United went into this game with only one win from their previous four outings - but silenced many of their critics with a clinical, dominant display of attacking football, spearheaded by a much-needed man of the match display from a determined Rooney.
A double header with West Ham, in the Premier League and League Cup, now follows.
Full Time - Manchester United 4-0 Feyenoord
Attendance - 64,628
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