Modest Rooney only interested in doing better after Milan heroics

"Grandissimo," declared the Italian media of a performance that left seven-times European Cup winners AC Milan in a state of shock. "Devastating," claimed Sir Alex Ferguson. It all amounts to the same thing.

But it is fair to assume the first thing England's main man did when he got back to Rooney Towers in the early hours after flying straight home from Milan was not skim through the highlights of an amazing encounter in the San Siro to pick out his best bits.

Like his former United team-mate Ronaldo, Rooney is desperate to get better. It's just that he does it differently.

"If people are saying nice things about me that is good but I am not really listening too much," he said.

"I am not really focusing on that side of things. I know what I need to keep doing. I just want to keep playing well."

He is not on his own with that last statement.

Every England fan understands what their Manchester United counterparts have known all season – Rooney is essential to any hope of success.

If Ferguson and Fabio Capello both said a silent prayer every evening pleading for the 24-year-old to be delivered to their respective dates with destiny fit and firing, no-one could blame them.

To Ronaldo, Kaka and Lionel Messi is ready to be added another superstar, AC Milan's veteran defenders had no answer once United managed to get the ball into the right areas at the San Siro on Tuesday.

"The manager pointed out when the ball came in, defenders didn't want to come in with me," said Rooney.

"It meant I had time to turn and run at them.

"I have been working a lot on getting into the box a lot more, especially inside the six-yard box.

"That is helping me to score goals, which gives me more confidence.

"I don't know how far I can go with my scoring total this season. I am delighted to have scored two goals in such a big game, two headers as well. Hopefully I can keep it up."