The Match: Rooney's Spark

Here’s our detailed take on United's opening Champions League Group A victory over Bayer Leverkusen...

The match The Reds kicked off the 2013/14 Champions League campaign with exactly the result needed – a victory. Moyes’ men were made to fight for the three points for 60 minutes or so, but in the end a Wayne Rooney brace and a goal each from Robin van Persie and Antonio Valencia ensured a comfortable result.

Goals Wayne Rooney notched goal number 199 and 200 for United after an inspired display from the England international. Van Persie netted his first goal in front of the Stretford End since last October, while Antonio Valencia got on the scoresheet for the first time this season with an excellent low drive after a sweeping move for United’s fourth.

Sub-plot Against a team managed by former Liverpool stalwart Sami Hyypia, it was the perfect result in David Moyes’ first Champions League game as United boss. Seeing Rooney net his 200th goal in a red shirt was the icing on the cake for Moyes.

Star men Marouane Fellaini did well on his Champions League debut, while Robin van Persie also shone. But tonight was all about Wayne Rooney. The striker, who was on song throughout, kicked off the scoring with a well-taken volley before firing the third – his 200th for the club – and setting up Valencia for the fourth.

The opposition The Germans played a patient game at Old Trafford, allowing United to come at them before picking their moment to win possession. When they did, they threw men forward in large numbers, counter-attacking at pace and using the left flank to good effect. Unfortunately for Leverkusen, they proved their own worst enemy after equalising shortly after half-time: both United’s second and third goals could easily have been prevented with better goalkeeping/defending.

Move of the match The move for United’s fourth goal was brilliant. After substitute Ashley Young had bombed down the left and found Rooney darting forward through the middle, the striker nudged the ball sideways for Valencia to blast a low shot past the helpless Bernd Leno in the Leverkusen goal.

In the stands German fans have a reputation for being loyal and loud and Leverkusen's travelling supporters didn't disappoint, despite the fact not all their allocation was taken up. They sung throughout the match, playing their part in helping to make this occasion memorable. Meanwhile, United fans’ support for summer signing Marouane Fellaini continued in the stands, with plenty of black wigs spotted in the crowd. Sir Alex once again made an appearance in the directors’ box.