Wayne Rooney netted his 39th goal in European football for Manchester United at Old Trafford on Thursday night, as the hosts produced a fine display which handing Jose Mourinho his biggest victory since taking charge of the club.
Rooney, the subject of much criticism in recent weeks over his off-field behaviour, produced a superb overall display, capped by a record-breaking opening goal.
Rooney’s 39th European goal for the Red Devils, which put him one ahead of Ruud van Nistelrooy, came on 35 minutes, with the England captain netting a superb dinked effort after a lovely pass from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
.@WayneRooney starts it and finishes it! A delightful chip from the @ManUtd captain breaks the deadlock. 👌 #UEL https://t.co/cw9WZ66FSL
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) November 24, 2016
Wayne Rooney’s goal. #mufc pic.twitter.com/uyleyh2Zxy
— UtdHQ (@UtdHQ) November 24, 2016
Feyenoord were poor throughout, although a superb double save from United ‘keeper Sergio Romero thwarted Rick Karsdorp and Dirk Kuyt early on.
In only his second start for United, £26m summer signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan also had a point to prove and the Armenian impressed throughout.
However, it was Juan Mata who would eventually double his side’s lead, with the Spaniard tapping home after a delicious assist from Rooney.
Juan Mata’s goal against Feyenoord tonight. #MUFC #UEL
— United Report (@ManUtdReport_) November 24, 2016
An own-goal from former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Jones made it 3-0 to the hosts on 75 minutes.
Then, at the death, sub Jesse Lingard curled home a fine effort to secure an impressive win, albeit against an under-strength and rather feeble Feyenoord side.
Our youth maestro keeps showing it! Another fantastic goal Lingard! Proving everybody wrong! 4-0! #mufc pic.twitter.com/BOtDv75L5Y
— Vintage Goals (@VintageUtdGoals) November 24, 2016
Lingard’s goal celebration with his mate Paul Pogba wasn’t bad either…
POGBA AND LINGARD 😂😂😂 LIVE FROM OLD TRAFFORD @JesseLingard @paulpogba @ManUtd #DabMasters #mufc #UEL pic.twitter.com/mayBV3IARh
— Nataly Antar (@Nataly_Antar) November 24, 2016
The win sees United second in Group A, just one point off leaders Fenerbahce.
(Table: BBC)