Treble star Roo back in the big time

WAYNE Rooney is delighted Manchester United’s painful absence from the Champions League is finally over.

United progressed to the group stages of this year’s tournament last night with a 4–0 win over Club Brugge.

Rooney ended his 878–minute scoring drought with a stunning hat–trick and Ander Herrera chipped in with a goal to help United to a 7–1 aggregate win.

United missed out on the Champions League last year following a terrible seventh–placed finish under David Moyes, so a return to Europe’s top table is something Rooney is looking forward to.

“To go through to the group stage after being out of it last year is a great result. We look forward to the draw now,” the United captain said.

“It was a big disappointment last year not to challenge in it. We didn’t think it would be as comfortable as it was, but it was vital we went through any way we could.

“Over the two legs we deserved that. We’ll enjoy the draw and it is nice to be back in there again.”

Rooney insisted he never doubted he would find his scoring touch again

following a dry patch that had stretched back to April 4.