ROONEY SCORES TWICE AS MAN U RIPS AC MILAN IN CHAMPION’S LEAGUE PLAY

After winning the first leg of their Champion’s League series with AC Milan 3-2 at the San Siro last week, Manchester United had a margin for error as they returned home for the rematch.  They didn’t need it—Wayne Rooney scored twice as Man U easily advanced to the next round with a 4-0 destruction of Milan.   Rooney had scored two goals in the first leg of the matchup as well, further enhancing his growing reputation as one of the best offensive players in European soccer.

Soccer betting fans who had wagered on Manchester United as -150 home favorites were rewarded with the easy victory.  The takeback price on AC Milan was a hefty +385 with the draw priced at +250.  The four goals scored went well OVER the posted total of 2’.  Manchester United has now scored 13 goals in their last 5 Champion’s League games.

Rooney scored the only goal of the first half at the 13 minute mark to give Man U a 1-0 lead heading into the break.  It didn’t take him long to add to that margin, scoring his second of the game just one minute after play resumed.  Ji-Sung Park scored at the 59 minute mark to make it 3-0 and Darren Fletcher capped the scoring just two minutes from time.  

After the game, AC Milan manager Leonardo could only marvel at the way Rooney had dismantled his team:

"I think this year Rooney can grow up even more. He's the complete player; strong, fast and he works hard. He does a lot of incredible movement and he's playing in a system that is perfect for him. United play at such speed and often on the counter-attack. That system, with Rooney, is incredible."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson added his praise:

"When we play like that we are very difficult to compete against. With that team I've got, it doesn't matter who we play next. He's improved his movement in the box but he has also been practising a lot more this season than ever before. He's putting in extra work after training and I think you get the rewards of that. We try to encourage them all to do that. We've set little practices for a lot of players and they're responding to it."

Milan’s David Beckham, who first came to stardom at Manchester United, added his thoughts:

''He's such an exceptional talent. 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 as a substitute in the second half, receiving a standing ovation from the Old Trafford crowd:

''It was a disappointing night because we lost the game but returning here is always special.  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.''

Manchester United will now await their quarterfinal assignment.  Along with Man U, Arsenal, Lyon and Bayern Munich have already advanced.  The quarterfinal draw will be set one week from Friday, though Manchester United has to like their chances against anyone they face given their current form.