"Especially after their goal. We knew we really had to pick ourselves up.
"We had a lot of the ball but we weren't really getting anywhere. So yes, it really helped us."
Smalling hailed the clinical finishing of Van Persie, whose expertly-taken shot over the stranded Beto was his 11th goal of the season, and the courage shown by the Dutchman's fellow striker Rooney in stepping up to take a spot-kick only four days after missing one in the Premier League win over Arsenal.
"He (Van Persie) is a person who only needs one chance," Smalling said. "That was crucial and he's proved that all season so far, and long may it continue.
"He (Rooney) is one of those who wants to put himself back in the firing line.
"I think he showed he's got the courage. You never have to doubt him really from the penalty spot."
Smalling last featured for the first-team in May, and asked about his return, the 22 year-old said: "It's been so long and it's been frustrating watching from the sidelines.
"But it's good to be able to come in and come back with a win as well so I'm feeling happy."
Having collected the maximum 12 points on offer so far, United can go into their final two Group H fixtures knowing they cannot be caught by Galatasaray or Cluj, both on four points, or Braga, who have three.
It has been a considerable return to form for United after they failed to get out of their group last season, and means that for the time being, their focus can be concentrated on the Premier League, which they also currently lead.
Smalling said: "It's a massive improvement on last year. We knew that wasn't good enough."
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