Manchester United restored their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage of the Europa League last night with a convincing 4-0 win against Feyenord at Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney was in the headlines for the right reasons after recent controversy, scoring the opening goal, which also created history as he became United’s all-time leading goal scorer in Europe. ​The win puts them second in Group A, a point behind leaders Fenerbahce, who had earlier beaten Zoya, and two points ahead of Feyenord with a game to play.

A win in the Ukraine against Zoya on the 8th December, or defeat or a draw for Feyenord, at home to group leaders Fenerbahce will guarantee United’s qualification for the knockout stage. Southampton will have to wait until the final group match day on the 8th December to qualify for the knockout stage after they lost 1-0 at Group K winners Sparta Prague last night.

The Saints destiny is still their own hands as they sit joint second with H Beer-Sheva on seven points, and they play the Israeli club at home on the 8th in a straight forward qualification decider. Other teams who guaranteed their qualification for the knock out stages last night were Shalke who top Group I on 15 points, Fiorentina top Group J on 10 points, Shakhtar Donetsk top Group H on 15 points, Ajax top Group G on 13 points, Roma top Group E on 11 points, Zenit St Petersburg top Group D on 15 points and Anderlecht top Group C on 11 points.