Manchester United is in good shape to advance to the Champions League soccer quarterfinals following a 3-2 win over AC Milan at the San Siro. The competition itself was overshadowed by the fact that it was the first time that David Beckham had played against his old team since leaving Old Trafford in 2003, and Wayne Rooney squashed Milan\’s early hopes with two goals to put the game on ice. Clarance Seedorf scored at the 85 minute mark to make the score respectable, but Man U controlled play after the halftime break. Now even a draw on their home field will allow Man U to advance.

AC Milan got on the board first just three minutes into the game as Beckham set up Ronaldinho\’s goal that sent the San Siro into a frenzy. Paul Scholes evened the score at the 36 minute mark and the teams went into the halftime break tied at 1-1. Rooney would net his first goal at the 66 minute mark and would score again just 8 minutes later to give Man U a 3-1 lead.

The 24 year old Rooney is becoming recognized as one of the best strikers in soccer. He\’s now got 25 goals on the year with 19 games left to play. He\’s also received high marks from the soccer press for his playmaking, heady play and overall attitude. The consensus is that he\’s already one of the best in the world and is only getting better.

After the game, Beckham graciously complimented Rooney on his play and suggested that he receive consideration for the World Player of the Year award:

\”I hope he is a contender for the World Player of the Year and the Ballon D\’Or. I would love to see him win every title possible. I have seen Wayne from being a young lad. I played in his debut for England and I have watched him score goals week in and week out ever since. It is amazing to see.\’\’

\”He looks after himself and works hard. The way he plays is the way he trains. That is why he is so good and why Wayne is ready for any game. It doesn\’t matter how many games he has played or how many he will be involved in to the end of the season, he will be ready for anything.\’\’

There\’s a good chance that Beckham and Rooney will be teammates on England\’s World Cup team this summer. Beckham made note of that fact:

\”I wouldn\’t want to see him do it again against us in a few weeks but of course I\’d like it in the World Cup.\”

Rooney\’s sizzling play and Beckham\’s veteran leadership and dominant free kicks are a big reason why England is among the World Cup betting favorites before the team has even been made official. England will start World Cup play on June 12 against the United States. England is a +600 choice to win the World Cup, third favorite behind Spain and Brazil.