Sir Alex Ferguson has
compared Wayne Rooney to Pele and claimed
the Manchester United striker is on course for his best-ever goal haul.
Rooney, with eight goals in his first
four Premier League games, is well on his way to breaking his personal best of
34, achieved two seasons ago.
The United striker will lead his side's
attack in their Champions League opener against Benfica on Wednesday, after
Ferguson placed him in the same bracket as the Brazil legend.
"If you look at Pele, for instance,
he was a very aggressive attacker also who could look after himself - so can
Rooney," said Ferguson.
"They have similarities that way in
terms of strength, speed, determination."
Ferguson made the comparison with Pele
after Benfica boss Jorge Jesus claimed Rooney had elements of the Brazilian and
Argentine styles in his game.
"I disagree there," said
Ferguson. "I think Wayne's a typical British player.
"But there have been British
players over the years who've had similar qualities that make them great
players, whether it's Paul Gascoigne, George Best, Bobby Charlton or Denis Law.
"The similarities [between them and
Rooney] are that the boy has great courage, he wants to play all the time and
he has incredible stamina. These are added extras to the talent he has.
