ALEX FERGUSON has dubbed Wayne Rooney the white Pele. Manchester United striker Roo warmed up for tonight's Euro clash at Benfica with back-to-back hat-tricks.
And Benfica coach Jorge Jesus hailed the striker as the best player England have produced.
He said: "He looks like he is the best British player so far. But he doesn't look like a British player but an Argentinian or Brazilian."
United boss Ferguson said: "I think he's a typical British player, but there have been British players over the last few years, maybe for the last decades who have similar great qualities that makes them great players, whether it's a Gascoigne, George Best, Bobby Charlton, Denis Law.
"The similarities are that the boy has great courage, he wants to play all the time, he has incredible stamina. "These are added extras to the talent he has. If you look at Pele for instance, he was a very aggressive attacker also who could look after himself, so can Rooney.
"They have similarities that way � strength, speed, determination, but he's white, completely white."
Fergie believes Rooney is at the peak of his game after eight goals in the opening four Premier League games.
He said: "Wayne has shown great maturity in his game, that's what happens when you reach your mid-20s, you get more authority in your game, your timing becomes better, your understanding becomes better."
United have started the league in style, smashing 18 goals in four wins.
Now veteran Ryan Giggs reckons they can go one better in Europe this season and dethrone Champions League conquerors Barcelona.
Giggs believes an influx of pace, passion and hunger could land United a fourth European Cup.
Giggs, 37, said: "I'm sure we can with the players we have here, a mixture of young players and the hunger to win things."
Tomasz Kuszczak has hit out at United for leaving him in limbo.
The Polish keeper, 29, is now third choice and is angry United did not sell him or agree a loan deal in the summer.
Kuszczak said: "I am angry and disappointed with the way I am treated. I had a few good offers. The problem was the club who wanted to sell me for �4m."
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