Brilliant Rooney assists and scores for Man U

LEVERKUSEN: Manchester United confirmed their place in the Champions Leagues knock-out phase with an emphatic 5-0 win at an overwhelmed Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday.

It was Uniteds biggest away win in Europe since beating Shamrock Rovers 6-0 in September 1957 in the now defunct European Champions Club’s Cup as David Moyes side ran riot. "This is probably the best performance of the season. For us to come away from home and score five goals is really special," said Moyes.

A volley from right-back Antonio Valencia and an own goal from Leverkusen centre-back Emir Spahic gave United a commanding early lead before defender Jonny Evans added a third with an hour gone.

England defender Chris Smalling added their fourth on 77 minutes after he met Wayne Rooney’s chip at the back post.

Nani then latched on to a Ryan Gigg’s long ball for a fine solo goal for the fifth on 88 minutes with the Leverkusen defence in tatters.

England’s Rooney proved he can create as well as finish as he had a hand in the first four goals in an outstanding performance.

It was his cross, which Valencia converted, and his free kick, which Spahic headed into his own net.

His shot led to Evans goal and his deft chip beat Leverkusens goalkeeper Bernd Leno and found Smalling unmarked for the fourth.

The result keeps David Moyes United top of Group A and three points ahead of second-placed Shakhtar Donetsk, who United host at Old Trafford in a fortnight. (AFP)