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CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - Group A: Rampant Man Utd send five past Leverkusen

Manchester United have booked themselves a spot in the Champions League knockout stages courtesy of a 5-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen at the BayArena.

United recorded their biggest away win in Europe since 1964 to make top spot in Group A their own on Matchday 5 and confirm progress to the Round of 16 with a stunning display against the Bundesliga's second-placed side.

Wayne Rooney did the damage for David Moyes, with a hand in the first four goals, as the Red Devils produced their best performance since the former Everton manager took the reins in the summer.

Antonio Valencia opened the scoring on 22 minutes when Rooney produced a cross which the Ecuadorian tapped home before his dangerous free-kick forced Emir Spahic to head into his own net on the half-hour mark.

Defender Jonny Evans made it 3-0 in the 65th minute when he scuffed home a deflection which came courtesy of Rooney's initial effort before the England international set up Chris Smalling with a 77th minute lob.

The rout was complete two minutes from time when Nani raced onto a pass from veteran Ryan Giggs, rounding Leverkusen keeper Bernd Leno, and flicking across his body for a fifth United goal.

The win has the Old Trafford club sitting three points ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk, who moved into second thanks to their 4-0 home win over Real Sociedad, while Bayer are a still a chance to qualify if they can beat the Spaniards in San Sebastien on December 10.

2013/14 UEFA Champions League - Group A scores

Bayer Leverkusen (GER): 0 Manchester United (ENG): 5 (Antonio Valencia 22', Emir Spahic (og) 30', Jonny Evans 65', Chris Smalling 77', Nani 88') BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany - 29,412

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Andrew Slevison
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