United handed Europa boost by record-setting Rooney

Manchester - Wayne Rooney became Manchester United's outright leading European goal scorer as Jose Mourinho's side enhanced its chances of progressing in the Europa League by sinking Feyenoord 4-0 on Thursday.

Rooney struck in the 35th minute to claim his 39th European goal, one more than Ruud van Nistelrooy, and move to within just one goal of Bobby Charlton's all-time club scoring record of 249.

Further goals by Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, and a Brad Jones own goal completed a win that left United a point below Group A leader Fenerbahce in second place ahead of its final game at Zorya Luhansk.

United will go into that game knowing a draw will take it into the last 32, having avenged its 1-0 Matchday 1 defeat at Feyenoord, which slipped to third in the group.

Thursday's win was a personal triumph for Rooney, 31, who branded the British media "disgraceful" after he was pilloried for partying late into the night while on England duty.

Charlton, now a United director, was watching on at Old Trafford and could now see Rooney equal his record against West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday.

Mourinho made six changes to the United team held 1-1 by Arsenal last Saturday, the most notable of which saw Henrikh Mkhitaryan make his first start since Sept. 10.

The Armenia playmaker, a £26-million signing from Borussia Dortmund, showed no signs of rustiness and was a source of menace throughout.

After a strong start, there was a scare for United midway through the first half when Eljero Elia jinked past Phil Jones and delivered a cross that was deflected into the path of Rick Karsdorp.

The right-back's shot was blocked by United goalkeeper Sergio Romero, and when Dirk Kuyt smashed the rebound goalward, the Argentina international stuck out his right leg to complete a smart double save.