Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has compared in-form striker Wayne Rooney to Brazilian legend Pele ahead of his side's Champions League clash with Benfica on Wednesday.

The Portuguese club's coach Jorge Jesus had earlier in the week stated that Rooney was 'more Brazilian or Argentinian' than English, and the Scot has stated that his player has similarities with a number of the past greats of the game.

"Look at Pele. He was a very aggressive attacker as well who could look after himself. So can Rooney. There are similarities that way in strength, speed and determination," he told Sky Sports.

Despite the Benfica trainer's thoughts however, Ferguson believes Rooney typifies the qualities of a strong British player, and has compared him to former home-grown attackers.

"Wayne is a typical British player. But there have been British players who have great qualities that made them great players.

"(Paul) Gascoigne, George Best, Bobby Charlton and 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," Ferguson concluded.

Benfica will need to mark Rooney tightly when the sides meet at the Estadio da Luz on Wednesday, as the England international has been in scintillating form, scoring eight goals in four matches including back-to-back hat-tricks against Arsenal and Bolton.

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