Wayne Rooney rates his sensational brace in Manchester United's 3-0 FA Cup win over Middlesbrough as "two of the best goals" he has ever scored.
Rooney struck a sweet 40-yard lob, then fired in a sublime right-footed volley.
"The first was a good ball from Gary Neville. I managed to stay onside and when I looked up and saw the keeper was off his line I chipped him," he said.
"The second was a long ball Louis Saha did well to head my way. It could have gone anywhere but I had a bit of luck."
The super strikes, which helped send the cup holders into the last 16 of the competition, also earned the praise of both managers involved in the game.
"They were two fantastic goals," enthused Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson.
"There is no doubt the boy is a very special talent, and it was a marvellous performance from him."
Boro manager Steve McClaren, who has the benefit of working with Rooney in his capacity as an England coach, said: "You can't give him any space whatsoever.
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I could tell he was a special talent from the first training session I worked with him and the frightening thing is he can only get better
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"I know all about Wayne Rooney. What he did just confirms what he is all about.
"I could tell he was a special talent from the first training session I worked with him and the frightening thing is he can only get better.
"That is good news for Manchester United and good news for England - but bad news for us.
"He has an amazing temperament for someone so young. All he wants to do is play football and I hope he never loses that."
Rooney, who has now scored four goals in his last five appearances, has set himself a target of 20 goals in his debut season at United.
"The most I've scored in the Premiership is nine goals, but I've now got 11 in all competitions which is pleasing," said the 19-year-old.
"Maybe now I can aim for a tally of 20. It would be good if I could achieve that."
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