Wayne Rooney became Manchester United’s top scorer in Europe against Feyenoord – netting his 39th goal in European competition in the Red Devil’s 4-0 Europa League victory.
It was a pretty tidy finish too.
.@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
That Wayne Rooney goal was so reminiscent of his former days. Started the move and finished it off expertly. Beautiful goal.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) November 24, 2016
The goal puts the United man within one goal of the all time club record of 249 – held by Sir Bobby Charlton – and silenced a lot of his doubters for now.
Most goals in Manchester United history:
— United Report (@ManUtdReport_) November 24, 2016
249 - Bobby Charlton
248 -Wayne Rooney
Getting closer! pic.twitter.com/vspiIrLhEg
Wayne Rooney answered a few critics tonight! Still got it! #ping 🔥⚽️
— Shaun keatings (@s_keatings) November 24, 2016
However, it wasn’t the captain’s performance which took most of the plaudits.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan played in only his second start for the club since joining over the summer, as manager Jose Mourinho has claimed he needs time to adapt to the English game – but after months in the cold fans think he certainly took his chance.
Mkhitaryan has been United's best player. Under a lot pressure to play well tonight but has taken his chance.
— Rob Dawson (@RobDawsonMEN) November 24, 2016
Mkhitaryan rightly given a standing ovation. He got his chance and he took it.
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) November 24, 2016
Could watch Mkhitaryan with the ball at his feet all day. When he's in full flow he's such a delight to watch. Has done more than enough.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) November 24, 2016
Manchester United fans take in Henrikh Mkhitaryan's performance tonight 👏 pic.twitter.com/fjpRakEyKw
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) November 24, 2016
Mkhitaryan was impressive throughout, performing darting runs at the Dutch team’s defence.
Mkhitaryan has hardly played for #mufc this season but no one in their squad dribbles like he does. Certain foul.
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) November 24, 2016
The 27-year-old Armenian international’s inclusion was treated with some shock too after so long on the sidelines. And when the out-of-favour Memphis Depay came on too eyebrows really started to rise.
Memphis Depay coming on now too. Wow, first Mkhitaryan, now Memphis. If Schweinsteiger is spotted we'll have to light the beacons of Gondor.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) November 24, 2016
Mourinho didn’t make it sound like we should be expecting Mkhitaryan to become a regular in the Premier League any time soon though.
Mourinho on Mkhitaryan: "He just needs now to try to replicate this type of performance in Premier League. He needs one more step."
— Tom Williams (@tomwfootball) November 24, 2016
United’s win means their fate in the Europa League is still in their hands and in a promising position too. With nine points they sit one behind group leaders Fenerbahce and play the bottom team Zorya Luhansk in their final group game.
Elsewhere in the Europa League Southampton lost at Sparta Prague leaving them needing a goalless draw or a win against Hapoel Be’er Sheva in their final game. Meanwhile Irish side Dundalk lost to AZ Alkmaar leaving them in third in their group and needing results to go their way in their last match.
