(Lisbon, PRT) - Benfica coach Jorge Jesus admits his side's ability to contain in-form Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney could dictate the outcome of Wednesday's Champions League Group C opener here.
Rooney will spearhead an attack that has scored a Premier League record 18 goals in their first four league games and is enjoying his most prolific start to a season since he joined United from Everton in 2004.
His hat-trick in the 5-0 win at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday followed his treble in the 8-2 humiliation of Arsenal and took his tally for the season to eight league goals -- three less than he managed in the entire 2010-11 campaign.
"Wayne Rooney doesn't look like a British player," said Jesus, who led Benfica to the Europa League semi-finals last season.
"He looks like he's Brazilian or Argentinian. He has a bit of everything. He can decide a match on his own in the final third, so we'll have to be very attentive with him."
United coach Sir Alex Ferguson confessed he was thrilled by Rooney's form and was not afraid to draw comparisons with the 2009-10 season, when the England man amassed 34 goals in all competitions.
"Two years ago he set a target for himself and he very quickly got 34 goals," said Ferguson.
"If he gets that this season I'll be absolutely delighted, because with Chicharito we could have two goalscorers well above 25 (goals)."
However, despite his excitement at Rooney's recent exploits, Ferguson disputed Jesus' assessment of the 25-year-old's gifts.
"I disagree. I think he's a typically British player," said the United manager, who is bidding to guide his side to a fourth Champions League final in five seasons.
"But there have been British players over the years with similar qualities -- (Paul) Gascoigne, (George) Best, (Bobby) Charlton, (Denis) Law.
"The similarities are that the boy has great courage and he wants to play all the time. He has great stamina, and they're added extras to the talent he has.
"Brazilian? If you look at Pele, he was a very aggressive attacker who could also look after himself. So can Rooney.
"He has the same strength, speed and determination. But he's white. Completely white!"
