Beckham tips red-hot Rooney to scoop top gongs
FORMER Manchester United darling David Beckham is backing Old Trafford’s latest hero, Wayne Rooney, to achieve world domination.
Beckham, who is on loan at AC Milan, was reminded of Rooney’s talent on Wednesday night when the striker scored twice in United’s 3-2 win over the Italians. Manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes the 24-year-old’s current form has elevated him to the elite level occupied by Kaka, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
And having witnessed his development as England colleagues, Beckham sees no reason why Rooney cannot emulate them by winning a host of personal honours.
“I hope he is a contender for the World Player of the Year and the Ballon D’Or [European Player of the Year],” said the 34-year-old. “I would love to see him win every title possible. I’ve seen Wayne from being a young lad. I played in his debut for England and have watched him score goals week in and week out ever since. It is amazing to see.”
Rooney’s white-hot form – he has scored 24 in all competitions for United so far this season and one more for England – has led to fears he could be exhausted come the summer’s World Cup, but Beckham is not worried.
“Burn out will not be a problem,” he added. “Of course he can sustain that level until the middle of July. He should be able to. He is only 24.”