AC Milan 2 Manchester United 3

Sir Alex Ferguson hailed Wayne Rooney as "devastating" after the striker's brace saw Manchester United to a vital 3-2 Champions League win over AC Milan.

Two clinical headers from Rooney took his season's tally to 25 goals and ensured United have the advantage for the second leg of the last-16 game.

"He's in devastating form, they could not handle him second half. He was marvellous," said United boss Ferguson.

"What we said he has to do is improve his goalscoring and now he's doing it."

When asked if the Englishman should now be regarded alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo - two of the best players in the world - Ferguson replied: "His basic ability is as good as the players you talk about.

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"He must be regarded alongside these players."

Those sentiments were echoed by Milan's England midfielder David Beckham, who produced a largely muted display in his first match against United before being substituted in the 72nd minute.

"Rooney is obviously on fire again," he said. "He's been on fire for a few weeks now and I've always said he's one of the best goalscorers in the world."

Rooney's brace proved pivotal in earning United a victory that barely looked possible as they were outplayed for much of the first hour.

However, Milan failed to build on Ronaldinho's third-minute opener and only Clarence Seedorf's flicked goal five minutes from time ensured the tie remains up for grabs going into the second leg on 10 March.

BBCNews