Wayne Rooney: Our blitz of Bayer Leverkusen has sent out a message to the rest of Europe

WAYNE ROONEY claims Manchester United’s thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen has sent shockwaves across Europe.

INSTRUMENTAL: Wayne Rooney had a hand in four of Manchester United's five goals against Bayer Leverkusen [AP]

United produced one of their greatest Champions League performances to trounce the Germans 5-0 in the BayArena on Wednesday night.
United reached the knockout stages with a game to spare and scored five goals away from home in Europe for the first time since winning the Treble under Sir Alex Ferguson in 1999. Leverkusen, who are second in the Bundesliga, went into the clash having won their last eight home games in Europe.


Sami Hyypia’s men were demolished, and Rooney believes the result has sent a warning to rivals Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

RAMPANT: Manchester United cruised to victory in Gelsenkirchen [GETTY]

“I’m sure teams will look at the result”

Wayne Rooney

The England striker, who set up four of the goals, said: “I thought we played fantastically well, with some great, quick transitions. We took our chances, so it was a good performance.
“Once the score was 2-0, we did well to kill the game off.
“So, I’m sure teams will look at the result, but we will just focus on the next game.”
Rooney has now urged United to beat Shakhtar Donetsk next month and win Group A to set up an easier tie in the last 16.
He said:“We now need a point to finish top of the group, so, while we’re delighted with three points here, it’s all important we try to get that point”

APPRECIATION: David Moyes congratulates Wayne Rooney after his amazing performance [GETTY]

United were inspired by veteran Ryan Giggs, who covered more than 10,000m in the romp – just 48-hours before his 40th birthday.
Rooney has revealed even the Leverkusen players couldn’t believe how old Giggs is.
The England striker added:

“Ryan was fantastic. He has done it for years and I’ve run out of things to say about him.
“During the game, actually, their centre-half was asking how he is still playing at that age!
“It’s great to see him with his composure on the ball. It is fantastic.
“I don’t know how he is still doing it. I certainly won’t be playing at that age, that’s for sure!”