David Beckham hailed Wayne Rooney as among the world's best players after his England team-mate scored twice to help Manchester United past AC Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Ji Sung Park and Darren Fletcher also scored as United trounced the Italian side 4-0 and 7-2 on aggregate, Beckham playing a substitute’s role for Milan and not coming on until there was already no hope for his side.
However, the former United hero still faced the cameras after the game and used his chane to laud praise on the brilliant Rooney, who has now bagged 30 goals this season.
''He's such an exceptional talent,'' Beckham told ITV1. ''I think without a doubt he's one of the best, if not the best, player at the moment along with (Real Madrid’s Cristiano) Ronaldo and Barcelona’s (Lionel) Messi."
Beckham also thanked the United fans who gave their former darling a standing ovation before he tested United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar with a fine volley late on in the game.
''It was a disappointing night because we lost the game but returning here is always special,” he added.
“'It was unbelievable. I have to say thank you. It was really incredible. It was nice to be back, a disappointing night but nice to be back.''
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has now challenged his 30-goal striker to try and reach the 42 that former team-mate Ronaldo bagged two season ago.
The Scot said after the rout: “'It's a challenge. I was happy with him getting to the 30 mark, to be honest but he just keeps improving and tonight he was sensational.
''It was a marvellous second-half performance. We played very, very well. When we play at that tempo, we're difficult to play against and it was a really solid performance.''