Manchester United welcomed Feyenoord to Old Trafford on Thursday night knowing that a defeat would see them eliminated in the group stage of the Europa League.
Wayne Rooney's 39th European goal saw the home side take a 1-0 lead into the half-time break.
Juan Mata then made it 2-0 in the 69th minute, before an own goal from Brad Jones and late Jesse Lingard strike added to the scoring as the home side ran out 4-0 winners at Old Trafford.
Man United now only need a point away to Zorya Luhansk next time out to make it through to the next round of the competition.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Evening all! Sports Mole's live Europa League coverage continues from Old Trafford as Manchester United welcome Feyenoord in what is a key Group A match. Indeed, defeat for Man United tonight would see them eliminated from the competition, with Feyenoord joining Turkish giants Fenerbahce in the next round. It is simply a must-win match for Jose Mourinho's troops tonight!
Denis Irwin and Paul Scholes were both on the scoresheet in a 2-1 Man United win when Feyenoord made their first and only European trip to Old Trafford in October 1997. Of course, the two teams have already met in this competition this season and it was Dutch giants Feyenoord that recorded all the points courtesy of a late winner from Tony Vilhena. Man United must be better tonight.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news for tonight's match. Has Mourinho rested players ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with West Ham United, or is it a full XI for a match that the Red Devils date not lose? Let's run through the two teams here...
TEAMS!
MAN UNITED: Romero; Valencia, Jones, Blind, Shaw; Carrick, Pogba; Mata, Rooney, Mkhitaryan; Ibrahimovic
FEYENOORD: Jones; Karsdorp, Dammers, Van der Heijden, Nelom; Tapia, Kuyt, Vilhena, Toornstra; Jorgensen; Elia
Well then! The big and indeed welcome news in the Man United camp is that there is a place in the XI for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who has had a very difficult start to his career in England. The Armenian is named in the starting XI for just the second time this season, while Sergio Romero, Daley Blind, Luke Shaw, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic all come into the side following the Arsenal match. Among those to drop to the bench tonight are Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo, Marcus Rashford and David de Gea.
As for Feyenoord, the Dutch giants are once again skippered by former Liverpool attacker Dirk Kuyt, who will start in central midfield. Australian Brad Jones, also formerly of Liverpool, keeps his place between the sticks, while Eljero Elia comes into an attacking position alongside Nicolai Jorgensen. Jens Toornstra's strike in Feyenoord's 3-0 win over PEC Zwolle at the weekend also sees the 27-year-old keep his place in the XI, but on-loan Watford attacker Steven Berghuis is only on the bench.
So there we have it. The two teams are in and we are just about 45 minutes from kickoff on this cold night in Manchester. Before I run through the facts and figures, let's take a look at how things currently stand in Group A. Fenerbahce are very much in control of the section after recording a 2-0 win over Zorya earlier this afternoon, which has left the Turkish giants top on 10 points.
Feyenoord currently sit second in the group on seven points, while Man United are third on six points after winning two and losing two of their four matches to date. As a result, a win for Feyenoord at Old Trafford would actually see the Dutch outfit qualify for the next round and eliminate Man United in the process, which would be a real embarrassment for the Red Devils.
However, victory for Man United would see them jump into second position in Group A and stay in charge of their own destiny ahead of their final group match away to Zorya next month. There is just no downplaying the importance of tonight's match. The Europa League might not be everything to Man United, but it would be embarrassing to be eliminated from this group with one game left.
After losing 1-0 at Feyenoord on September 15, Man United responded with a 1-0 home win over Zorya to move onto three points in the section. They then thumped Fenerbahce 4-1 at Old Trafford, but lost 2-1 in the reverse match earlier this month, which has left them in a bit of a difficult position. Overall, they have been underwhelming in this competition aside from the first Fenerbahce game.
Special night for Daley Blind...
It has also been a difficult Premier League campaign to date, with a total of 19 points from 12 matches leaving Mourinho's side in sixth spot in the table. They are six points behind fourth-place Arsenal and just one point above eighth-place Watford, which is an indication of their struggles. That said, there were a lot of positives to come from Saturday's 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Indeed, Man United deserved to beat an off-colour Arsenal team at Old Trafford, but Olivier Giroud equalised in the 89th minute as the Red Devils dropped two more points. Tonight is very important for the club, but they also have a massive league game at home to West Ham United on Sunday afternoon, before welcoming the Hammers once again in the League Cup on November 30.
Man United are actually unbeaten in their last 13 European games at Old Trafford, while they have scored in 13 of their last 14 home matches in European competition. Despite their troubles this season, Mourinho's side have only lost once on home soil this term and that was a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on September 10, which might well have turned out very different indeed.
Unsurprisingly, this is actually Man United's first ever appearance in the group stage of the Europa League. They have appeared in this competition on two previous occasions – reaching the round of 16 - but both of those campaigns came after elimination from the group stage of the Champions League. Here is an indication of the type of atmosphere that the away supporters are creating at Old Trafford...
As for Feyenoord, the Dutch outfit have been victorious on just one of their last six visits to England in European competition – losing three times in the process. As mentioned, they lost 2-1 when they visited Man United in October 1997, but they will be confident of causing an upset tonight and indeed booking their spot in the next round alongside Fenerbahce, who currently top the section.
Feyenoord last featured in the Europa League during the 2014-15 season, when they reached the round of 32 before losing to Roma. They have actually won the UEFA Cup on two previous occasions, however, lifting the crown in both 1974 (when they beat Tottenham Hotspur) and 2002. That said, the Dutch outfit have not actually won their domestic title since the 1998-99 season and finished third behind PSV Eindhoven and Ajax last term. Little over 10 minutes until kickoff at Old Trafford!
The Dutch side followed their 1-0 victory over Man United with a 1-0 defeat away to Fenerbahce, but returned to winning ways at home to Zorya on October 20. They had the chance to record a third Group A victory away to Zorya last time out, but a 1-1 draw saw them drop two big points. That draw might well come back to bite them, especially if they were to suffer defeat here.
Feyenoord will enter this match off the back of a 3-0 win over PEC Zwolle on Sunday, which continued what has been a very strong Eredivisie campaign to date. Indeed, 10 wins, two draws and just one defeat has left Giovanni van Bronckhorst's side top of their domestic table on 32 points, two points clear of second-place Ajax, who have also been in impressive form this term.
Here we go then - both sets of players have joined us on the pitch for the first period. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Man United are not lose this match, can Feyenoord upset the Red Devils once again? Stay tuned to find out!
KICKOFF! Man United kick things off at Old Trafford...
... as expected, the home side have taken control of the possession in the early moments of this match. It is a very attacking XI for Man United and they will be looking to make a quick start. Feyenoord just need to be careful that they do not drop too deep in these early exchanges.
Half-chance for Man United as Valencia delivers a cross onto the head of Pogba, but the midfielder can only head over the crossbar. It has been a very positive start from Mourinho's side tonight.
You just get the feeling that Feyenoord will need to score first tonight if they are to stand a chance of collecting all three points. Man United are absolutely full of beans in these early moments here.
Mata sets up Pogba outside the Feyenoord box, but the midfielder fires into the stands.
Valencia releases Rooney in a wide position and the Man United captain looks to deliver towards Ibrahimovic, but the cross actually bounces back onto Rooney and Feyenoord have a goal kick.
Man United are full of movement in the final third and Pogba is very advanced as he joins Mata, Ibrahimovic, Rooney and Mkhitaryan in forward areas. Nothing much from Feyenoord thus far, but they will get their chances due to Man United's high press and lack of pace in central defence.
Super football from Man United as Mkhitaryan combines with Rooney in the final third, but the through pass is just too strong for the Armenian. Mkhitaryan has been very sharp early on here.
Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, but Man United remain in control of the ball as they continue to pass and probe in the Feyenoord half of the field.
It has been better from Feyenoord in the last five minutes or so after a difficult start to the match. Elia uses his pace to race away from Blind, but the Netherlands defender pulls the striker's shirt and is fortunate to escape a yellow card. Still goalless with 15 minutes of this Group A clash played.
Pogba has been heavily involved in the last few minutes as Man United look to release the Frenchman in a wide position, but Karsdorp does well to come across and challenge the world's most expensive player. The visitors break down the other end, but Romero collects Kuyt's cross.
SAVE! Jones has to tip a dipping Pogba effort over the crossbar!
SAVE! Jones then keeps out Carrick's drive and Feyenoord manage to scramble it clear! Good spell for Man United, but two very smart saves from the away side's goalkeeper!
Another half-chance for the home side as Ibrahimovic looks to feed a cross into Mkhitaryan, but again it is smart work from Jones. Feyenoord do not look too secure at the back and they are struggling to create in the final third of the field, but their supporters are in fine voice tonight.
You just get the feeling that the first goal tonight - if there indeed is one - could be vital. Man United continue to look the more threatening, but Feyenoord have plenty of talent on the field.
Mata finds space in a wide position and looks to deliver towards the far post, but there are no takers. Still goalless with 25 minutes on the clock, but it has been much better from Man United.
SAVES! Two super saves from Romero in quick succession as the Man United goalkeeper keeps out Jorgensen's strike, before deflecting Kuyt's effort wide of the post. Romero!
Man United have just gone a little cold in the last few moments and the away side are growing in confidence as they continue to find space down the left-side of the field. Elia has Jones on toast when it comes to pace and the Dutchman will be asking his teammates for the ball here.
Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining and we are still goalless at Old Trafford. Man United have hit a flat patch in the last few minutes and Feyenoord are pretty comfortable here.
Much better from Man United as Ibrahimovic chips a super pass into Mkhitaryan, but the Armenian can only fire straight at Jones. It would not have counted, however, with the flag raised!
Another half-chance for the home side as Rooney looks to pick out Pogba with a deep cross, but Jones just about does enough to punch clear under severe pressure from the Frenchman.
GOAL! Man United 1-0 Feyenoord (Rooney)
Super Man United goal! Ibrahimovic waits and waits, and then waits some more before feeding a pass into Rooney and the skipper chips the ball over Jones from close range. Super finish that!
Romero has to save from Vilhena as Feyenoord look to bite back at Old Trafford.
Feyenoord need to be careful that they do not concede a second before the end of the first period, with Man United now full of confidence as they pass and probe in the final third of the field here.
Little under five minutes of the first period remaining and Man United are pretty comfortable at the moment. That said, Feyenoord have shown their attacking threat tonight and will be confident of creating more chances as the night unfolds. As it stands, Man United are going second in Group A.
Not too much to report in the last few minutes as the first period draws to a close. It has been much better from Man United in terms of attacking football and they have the all-important first goal.
Just the one additional minute at the end of the first period. Man United almost have another chance to score a second as Blind releases Mata, but the Spaniard was offside. A mistake from Karsdorp then almost allows Ibrahimovic in, but Feyenoord manage to clear their lines here.
HALF-TIME: Man United 1-0 Feyenoord
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with Man United leading 1-0 at the interval courtesy of a super Wayne Rooney finish 10 minutes before the break. It has been much, much better from Man United and they are going above Feyenoord in Group A as things stand here.
STATISTICS! Man United have dominated the possession with 60%, while they have had eight attempts - four of which have been on target. Feyenoord, meanwhile, hit the target with all three of their attempts in the opening 45 minutes. No bookings to report - it has not been that type of game!
BENCH WATCH! Memphis Depay, Fellaini, Lingard, Herrera and Rashford are among those on the bench for the home side tonight and it would not be a surprise to see Mourinho make alterations as the second period develops. Feyenoord, meanwhile, have the likes of Berghuis, Kramer and Basacikoglu available. That said, Kuyt, Elia and Jorgensen have all been dangerous for the visitors here.
RESTART! Feyenoord resume the action at Old Trafford...
... no changes from either side at the break, which is not too much of a surprise. However, both managers will already have alterations in mind for the second period. I fancy more goals here.
Rooney again breaks through and comes close to collecting a pass from Pogba, but the ball zips off the turf and Jones is out to collect. Decent start from Man United as they continue to probe here.
Ibrahimovic and Mkhitaryan both come close for the home side in quick succession, but some super defending from Feyenoord prevents Jones from making a save. Very good stuff here.
Oh my word! Controversial decision from the referee as Mkhitaryan is fouled by Karsdorp, who was the last man, but the official is not interested! Sensational work from the Armenian there!
SAVE! Jones has to tip a beautiful Mata chip over the crossbar!
Well, Kuyt goes down inside the Man United box and the former Liverpool attacker wants a penalty, but the referee is not interested. It has been a very lively start to the second period here.
Man United have been by far the better team tonight, but Feyenoord will always be in the game at 1-0 and failing to score a second goal has really hurt the Red Devils in recent matches, especially on home soil. Indeed, Vilhena scuffs wide of the post following a break from the visitors.
OFFSIDE! Mata turns a Mkhitaryan strike home, but he was offside.
Little over 30 minutes of this Group A clash remaining and there has not actually been a yellow card tonight, which is very surprising considering the importance of this match. It might soon arrive!
Mkhitaryan turns over the crossbar from close range after a super cross from Rooney, but the Armenian was in an offside position. Mkhitaryan has been very, very good for the hosts tonight.
CHANCE! Mkhitaryan smashes the side-netting after combining with Ibrahimovic. Some supporters thought that the ball had found the back of the net here!
FEYENOORD SUB! Berghuis replaces Kuyt for the away side.
Man United are passing up chance after chance in this match and as mentioned, that has hurt them in recent weeks. They have failed to beat the likes of Burnley, Stoke and Arsenal despite dominating and Feyenoord have plenty of attacking talent on the pitch. Man United need that second goal.
Still no movement on the Man United bench, but you sense that Rashford's pace could be perfect in the final 20 minutes or so tonight. Memphis and Lingard are also available for the home side.
Feyenoord have a free kick in a dangerous area as Pogba brings Vilhena to the deck...
... Berghuis fires his free kick straight into the wall.
Pogba looks to bend one into the far corner, but Jones makes the save.
GOAL! Man United 2-0 Feyenoord (Mata)
Finally Man United have their second of the night as Ibrahimovic feeds a low pass into Rooney and the skipper reverses the ball into Mata and the Spaniard just cannot miss from close range!
MAN UNITED SUB! Rashford replaces Mata for the home side.
SAVE! Jones makes a smart save with his feet to keep out Ibrahimovic, who really should have scored! Rashford's pace has brought a sense of worry to the Feyenoord defence.
FEYENOORD SUB! Kramer replaces Jorgensen for the away side.
GOAL! Man United 3-0 Feyenoord (Jones own goal)
Man United have their third as Ibrahimovic's cross is turned into his own net by the Feyenoord goalkeeper! Ibrahimovic wants the goal, but that will have to go down as a Jones own goal!
FEYENOORD SUB! Bilal replaces Toornstra for the away side.
Memphis Depay is close to entering the field for Man United and he will not be well received by the away supporters after his time at PSV Eindhoven. The word is that Rooney will be replaced here.
MAN UNITED SUB! Memphis replaces Rooney for the home side.
MAN UNITED SUB! Lingard has also replaced Mkhitaryan for Man United.
Rashford curls one into the arms of Jones as the pressure continues.
Little over five minutes of the second period remaining and Man United are still looking for more goals. Indeed, Jones has to dart across to keep out a decent low strike from Lingard.
SAVE! Jones again keeps out Lingard with a smart save!
Both teams are almost going through the motions as we approach the very final moments here. Man United have been very good tonight - arguably their best performance of the season so far.
Three additional minutes to be played at the end of the 90 here.
GOAL! Man United 4-0 Feyenoord (Lingard)
It is four for Man United as Lingard finds all sorts of space on the edge of the box and curls one into the bottom corner, albeit via Jones, who tipped the ball onto the post and into the net!
FULL-TIME: Man United 4-0 Feyenoord
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Man United running out 4-0 winners to move into second position in Group A. It has been a very good night for the Red Devils, who will now switch their attention to Sunday's Premier League clash with West Ham United. Thanks for joining Sports Mole's live coverage once again. See you again soon!
