Man Utd 5-0 Bayer Levekusen: Match Review

 

Here’s the detailed take on United’s remarkable 5-0 win at Bayer Leverkusen…

The Match United were ruthless in dismissing the obvious threat of the Bundesliga's second-placed side and, in truth, the scoreline could have been even more embarrassing for the Germans. Wayne Rooney was a central figure but Antonio Valencia's display will cause teenager Emre Can nightmares after a fluid formation reaped dividends. This was the club's biggest-ever win away from home in the Champions League.

Goals Rooney was behind both first-half goals as his cross allowed Valencia to steal in and open the scoring while a dangerous set-piece was headed into his own net by Emir Spahic eight minutes later. Jonny Evans touched in after Bernd Leno kept out a Rooney effort and another assist by the centre-forward allowed Chris Smalling to grab number four. Nani's cheeky fifth, from a Ryan Giggs through ball, was a moment of sheer class.

Star men MUTV pundits Lee Sharpe and David May opted for Evans, Shinji Kagawa and Valencia as their Man of the Match nominees with Kagawa coming out on top but Rooney was also in irrepressible form once again. Giggs impressed in central midfield and, as you would expect from a 5-0 victory, everybody performed superbly.

Sub-plots Many fans were pleased to see Kagawa start in his preferred central role and the Japan international did not disappoint on his return to Germany. Home coach Sami Hyypia's Liverpool past received plenty of attention in the build-up and many observers expected a real examination for the Reds on the back of the draw in Cardiff and Leverkusen's outstanding home form.

Opposition Leverkusen appeared to miss Sidney Sam, who was ruled out through injury, and star striker Kiessling was often too deep to make a telling impact. The Germans are above Borussia Dortmund and only behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga on merit and had won their last eight home group games in the Champions League. However, they were very much second-best on the night.

Move of the match The first goal actually came from a corner for the hosts. Kagawa won possession and found Giggs, who played the ball out wide to Rooney. A dangerous cross allowed Valencia to arrive late at the far post and finish off a clinical counter-attack.

In the stands Sir Alex Ferguson was among the crowd and will have enjoyed the proceedings just as much as the noisy travelling supporters who were vocal from the outset. Numerous chants rang out but there was some special serenading reserved for Giggs, who turns 40 on Friday. Those in attendance witnessed a special, record-breaking performance.