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Rooney aiming for Best's heights
(AFP)
Updated: 2005-11-28 14:22
Wayne Rooney said he hoped one day to be compared to George Best after
inspiring the Manchester United fightback that saw West Ham beaten 2-1 in the
club's first match since the death of the Old Trafford hero.
Wayne Rooney said
he hoped one day to be compared to George Best after inspiring the
Manchester United fightback that saw West Ham beaten 2-1 in the club's
first match since the death of the Old Trafford hero. [AFP] |
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The 20-year-old England striker cancelled out Marlon Harewood's dramatic
early goal with a fierce strike early in the second half, and then delivered the
corner which John O'Shea headed in to put United ahead here Sunday.
"George Best was one of the best players in the world, so I'm sure I've got a
long way to go to get to those heights," Rooney said. "But hopefully in the the
future people will be talking about me like that."
Best died Friday aged 59 in intensive care at a private west London hospital
following organ failure brought about by the effects of alcoholism.
In his playing prime during the 1960s the Northern Ireland wing great
mesmerised opponents with his ball skills, United's number seven scoring a
stream of superb solo goals.
Rooney may not have Best's all-round ability but Hammers manager Alan Pardew
was in no doubt about his ability to influence a match.
"I thought he set the scene for a great game," said Pardew. "United and
Rooney in particular were at full tilt.
"He was just unstoppable. He kept popping into areas where we weren't
expecting him and he was sublime. Maybe he deserved to be wearing the number
seven on his back today."
Rooney's sensational performance took United into second place in the
Premiership table, 10 points behind leaders and reigning champions Chelsea.
But the match will be remembered above all for the emotional tribute paid to
Best by both sets of supporters before kick-off.
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