De Gea, Ferdinand & more: Twitter reacts as Man United thrash Leverkusen

Manchester United booked their place in the Champions League last 16 courtesy of an emphatic 5-0 win against Sami Hyypia’s Bayer Leverkusen at the BayArena.

Meanwhile, Manchester City kept up their hunt for top spot in Group D after the Citizens scored two late goals to cement a 4-2 victory over Viktoria Plzen.

Here is some of our favourite reaction on Twitter from the players involved in tonight’s European games, as well as current professionals and ex-pros, all in chronological order.

Crystal Palace midfielder Dean Moxey ‏(@therealmox_21) doesn’t want to think about English football without Ryan Giggs: “I dread the day Ryan Giggs announces his retirement.”

England legend Gary Lineker ‏(@GaryLineker) enjoys the spiralling fortunes of the Bundesliga: “Goodness me! German football is weak these days.”

Former world champions boxer and City fan Ricky Hatton (@HitmanHatton) isn’t showing any bias: “1-0 City. Sergio penalty. Didn’t look one to me, unless my eyes are going.”

Former United dfender Viv Anderson ‏(@Anderson_Viv) is happy to see the Red Devils performing on the road: “Good solid showing this by @ManUtd so far. #mufc”

And Jan Aage Fjortoft (‏@JanAageFjortoft) feels like David Moyes has got the best out of Wayne Rooney: “Have to give credit to David Moyes for how he has got Rooney going again. Works hard- scores – assists.”

Ex-Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop (‏@ShakaHislop) is impressed by United’s performance against a good German side: “MUFC in cruise control against the second best team in the Bundesliga. This scoreline FULLY deserved.”

Meanwhile, back at The Etihad, and Hatton (‏@HitmanHatton) isn’t happy as Plzen level: “After Sunday’s performance I can’t believe what I’m watching tonight. Shocking.”

Barnsley defender Peter Ramage (‏@peterramage83) names his men of the match at the BayArena: “Kagawa and Rooney on fire tonight!!!”

Chelsea midfielder Eden hazard ‏(@hazardeden10) is particularly impressed by Isco’s goal in Madrid’s win against Galatasaray: “Isco what a goal…!”

Arsenal legend Ian Wright (‏@IanWright0) feels like Arsenal should have been as ruthless as United against Marseille last night: “Leverkusen are a poor team being dealt with RUTHLESSLY !! #ruthlesstotheend It’s what I was saying last night ! If you can kill a team off, ******g kill em !!!!”

Injured United midfielder Michael Carrick (‏@carras16) heaps praise on Giggs: “Have to say, that’s the United we know right there. Best I’ve seen us for a while. To a man we were bang on. Giggsy hahaha how old???”

Norwich City midfielder Anthony Pilkington (@Pilkington_11) is astounded by United’s winning margin: “Wow big result for Man United! This could be the turning point of their season! Who thinks they will go on to be #Champions of the Prem?”

United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy (‏@RvN1776) enjoyed his night with the Red Devils fans: “Watched #United win at Leverkusen #0-5. Thanks to the away fans for remembering.. MeansALot. #GiggsFantastic”

United goalkeeper David De Gea (‏@D_DeGea) celebrates the win with his team-mate: “With my friend @samjohnstone50 after a great victory in Germany.”

Red Devils defender Rio Ferdinand ‏(@rioferdy5) is happy with the result: “Good result tonight vs Leverkusen! #mufc”

Red Devils goal-scorer Antonio Valencia ‏(@7AntoV) dedicates his first-half strike to his brother: “Brother this goal, is for you. Thank you for caring about me. You’ll still always there for my brother!”

United coach Phil Neville (‏@fizzer18) is happy to seal three points and can’t wait for the trip to Spurs: “Good win and performance and five goals away in Europe! Rest up now ours away Sunday used to love playing at White Hart Lane!!!”

Finally, former Spurs chairman Lord Sugar (‏@Lord_Sugar) is worried ahead of United’s game against Tottenham on Sunday: “Man United win 5-0 in Germany. When they come to Tottenham Sunday it might be 10-0. Ray Winston – What’s the odds?”