Rooney shines as Manchester United DOWN Leverkusen

So Moyes played Kagawa and already, the creativity and inventiveness of United was there to see. But really, the night was reall about one man and that was Rooney...who is probably playing the best football of his career right now. His influence was clear to see and he is even surprising me just by how intelligent he is playing.

Leverkusen gave a good game of it, and tried to attack United and deserved their equaliser. The real difference with the two teams was the quality of the front men. Yep, the Leverkusen keeper could have done better with the RVP shot....but that was some connection to the cross. Then with Rooney breaking through again with a defensive mistake, he finished things off and it was all really done and dusted.

It was easily the best performance from United under Moyes and the key was Rooney and Kagawa being allowed to roam freely, making it difficult for the opposition to track. Do not underestimate the inclusion of Kagawa, whose elusive runs created more space for Rooney to exploit Leverkusen.

The real talk will be of Rooney who we thought would have been leaving United. After this performance, Moyes has to now realize that he really is the glue that pulls United together. If Rooney plays with the freedom that he did tonight along with Kagawa, then United will be VERY dark horses for the Champions League. It's only just one match, and Leverkusen managed to get their two goals. There is still some way to go and Leverkusen will give United a game back in Germany. Still though, United showed a few creaks in defence to suggest if a team cut away the mistakes, they will not have it so easy scoring.

All there is left to say is Kagawa has been FREED and should remaining FREED and also...

ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOONAAAAAY!!!! ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONAAAAY!!!!

HH