David Moyes claimed the best was still to come from Manchester United – and possibly even Ryan Giggs – as he heralded the 5-0 destruction of Bayer Leverkusen as the finest moment of his brief Old Trafford reign.

Giggs produced an outstanding 90-minute display against Sami Hyypia's team, playing a part in three United goals, as Moyes's team secured qualification for the knockout stage of the Champions League with a game to spare.

United will seal top spot in Group A – and thereby avoid group winners such as Real Madrid, Atlético Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain – with a point at home to Shakhtar Donetsk on 10 December.

Wayne Rooney also shone, having a hand in four of the United goals as the visitors recorded their biggest away win in the European Cup for 56 years.

Moyes said: "It was one of my best days as Manchester United manager but the best days are still to come. There will be better days to come. We won well, we played well, with some outstanding performances. To come to Germany and win 5-0, and they have a great record here in Leverkusen, puts it in perspective as well."

Giggs turns 40 on Friday but made a mockery of the ageing process with a commanding performance in central midfield. "People mention his age but all you should mention is his football ability," said the United manager.

"He is an unbelievable footballer. You could say he is getting better. His vision, his pass for Nani's goal: you wouldn't have said he needed to come off. He is a wonderful player and I am really fortunate to be working with him."

Asked how long the Welshman can continue at this level, Moyes replied: "Ryan will tell us when he has had enough or when he thinks his time is up. He keeps training day in, day out, keeps playing and I think his performances since I came here have been excellent. He's been great."

Antonio Valencia, an Emir Spahic own-goal, Evans, Chris Smalling and Nani all scored but Giggs claimed United should have had more. "I think our speed [was the difference]," said the United player-coach. "The first goal was a good example: quick play. It was a pleasure to play behind our front four."

Jonny Evans, right, and Ryan Giggs celebrate Manchester United's third goal against Bayer Leverkusen scored by Evans. Photograph: Martin Meissner/AP

The Welshman added: "We could have scored more but we can't be too greedy. To score five anywhere in Europe is a great result. Going into a game knowing a win puts us through is a carrot and the five goals and a clean sheet is a bonus. It was a pleasure."



Moyes was also impressed by the understanding between Rooney and Shinji Kagawa, who produced a creative display in the No10 role he favours. The United manager added: "I said at the start of the season that sometimes Wayne might have to play up front and Shinji in behind when Robin [van Persie] is injured. I thought Shinji played really well tonight, he was excellent, but he has been excellent when he's played off the left as well. We have some really good players.

"Wayne does not need a rest just now but I will be watching for any signs that he does, which is why we need people in form and fit. I will keep him as fresh as I can but he is one of these players who is probably better playing. I don't want to find myself losing him for five or six games somewhere in the season."