Five-star United produce record-breaking Leverkusen win

Manchester United secured their biggest ever Champions League away win as they hammered five goals past Bayer Leverkusen to confirm safe passage into the competition’s knock-out phases.

United looked good value with the bookmakers pre-match – but not even the most optimistic of Red Devils surely anticipated a 5-0 hammering of a side sitting second in the Bundesliga.  

The win amounts to United’s biggest ever European away win since a 6-1 hammering of Dortmund 39 years ago, and must surely be regarded as David Moyes’ finest match since taking the helm at the Theatre of Dreams.

Moyes’ men produced a majestic, clinical attacking display as strikes from Antonio Valencia, Jonny Evans, Chris Smalling and Nani, plus an own goal, did the damage. It is result which delivers a real statement of intent to the rest of the continent.

Wayne Rooney so often proved the cataylst for United, and he set-up Valencia for an easy opener before Leverkusen’s Emir Spahic turned a free-kick from the on-form England frontman into his own net.

Evans extended United’s lead on 65 minutes as he turned the ball home after Rooney had been denied from a Ryan Giggs corner, before Smalling rubbed salt into the wounds with a close-range finish and Nani completed the rout late on.

United, unbeaten in 11, complete their Group A campaign against Shakhtar Donetsk on December 10th and will seal top spot with a point. Should they avoid defeat, the Red Devils will complete an unbeaten Group Stage campaign, a feat the club last achieved in 2010/2011.

Full Time - Bayer Leverkusen 0-5 Manchester United
Attendance – 29,412