Beckham hails match-winner Rooney after defeat

David Beckham described Wayne Rooney as among the world's best as Manchester United put his AC Milan side out of the Champions League.

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David Beckham wore an anti-Glazer scarf after Manchester United's victory over Milan

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Rooney scored twice as United romped to a 4-0 last-16 second-leg win to secure a 7-2 aggregate victory and a place in the quarter-finals as Beckham's return to Old Trafford ended in defeat.

''He's such an exceptional talent,'' Beckham told ITV1 of Rooney. ''I think without a doubt he's one of the best, if not the best, player at the moment along with [Cristiano] Ronaldo and [Lionel] Messi.''

Beckham entered the fray midway through the second-half, coming off the substitutes' bench to a standing ovation. But the contest was already over.

''It was a disappointing night because we lost the game but returning here is always special,'' added the former England captain. ''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.''

Rooney has now scored 30 goals this season and could overtake the tally of 42 achieved by Ronaldo - now at eliminated Real Madrid - in the 2007-2008 season.

''It's a challenge,'' United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said. ''I was happy with him getting to the 30 mark, to be honest, but he just keeps improving and tonight he was sensational.''

Milan simply could not live with United, Ferguson said. ''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.''

Ferguson believes United are now capable of going all the way in the tournament and is happy to play anyone in the last eight. ''With that kind of team I've got it doesn't matter who we play."

Ferguson would have expected to be lined up against Ronaldo in the quarter-final draw next Friday. Instead, Real were surprisingly dumped out of the competition by Lyon, who joined Arsenal, United and Bayern Munich as the quartet who are definitely through to the last eight.

"I was surprised at Real Madrid's result tonight. European football is very tough now," Ferguson said. "In the last few years English clubs have done very well and I think they will be there again. It doesn't matter who we play in the quarters. We are there and hopefully we take advantage."

Milan boss Leonardo admitted his side had been beaten in the mind, as well as on the pitch, as United stormed out of the blocks. But he claimed the defeat would not disrupt Milan's Serie A form.

Leonardo said: "I think there are many things to analyse and it's not the right time. Apart from the fact the first half could've been a different result, but it was a clear victory for Manchester tonight and that is obvious," he said of the 4-0 defeat, 7-2 on aggregate.

"We knew it took an incredible performance to overturn the first leg, but Manchester United got off to a very strong start and scored an early goal.

"This match was strongly affected by the psychological approach of the two teams. I don't think it can affect us in Serie A, as the team is very mature and we will discuss it between ourselves.

"This side has done some great things this season, including in the Champions League, and we are doing very well in Serie A with a four-point gap from the lead. I think we should consider this match for what it is and that goes for the first leg too."