Europa League 2016: Rooney silences critics in United’s 4-0 rout against Feyenoord

Rooney
Goalscorers for Manchester United, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata at Old Trafford on Thursday night. Image Source: twitter

Internet Desk: Wayne Rooney silenced his critics with a brilliant performance in Manchester United’s 4-0 rout over Feyenoord in a Europa League match at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

Rooney is just one goal away from equaling Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton’s record of scoring 40 European goals. Rooney went past Dutch Ruud van Nistelrooy’s 38 goals for United. The other goal scorers of the night  were Juan Mata, Zlatan Ibrahamovic and Jesse Lingaard

It has been a difficult time for Rooney, who had to apologise for being pictured late at night at a wedding party while on international duty. The England captain was heavily criticised by the media, even terming it as his end of football career.

But the 31 year old was up for the challenge as he not only scored a goal by a brilliant chip to give his side the lead but also set Juan Mata for the second goal.

Feyenoord goalie Brad Jones then parried Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s cross into his own net and Jesse Lingard completed the rout as United leapfrogged the Dutch side to take second place in Group A.

Asked if his achievement felt more special after his recent dramas, Rooney told BT Sport: “All that’s created by people like yourself asking questions like this. People in the media are making a big deal over nothing.

“I think it’s a shame I have to be talking about it now after such a great victory.”

Leaders Fenerbahce had earlier put pressure on United in Group A with their 2-0 win over Ukraine’s Zorya in Istanbul, Miroslav Stoch and Simon Kjaer scoring in the space of eight minutes midway through the second half.

The win keeps United well on course for qualification into the last 32.