Rio Ferdinand is adamant Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho’s stunning acrobatic goal against Everton was better than Wayne Rooney’s Manchester derby strike.

Garnacho opened the scoring at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon inside three minutes with a spectacular overhead kick after getting on the end of Diogo Dalot’s cross.

His goal immediately drew comparisons with Rooney’s against Manchester City in 2011. Rooney’s effort proved to be the winner as United edged past their bitter rivals 2-1 at Old Trafford.

Asked which strike was better on his Vibe with Five podcast, Ferdinand replied without hesitation: ‘Garnacho. One was off a shin pad, the other was off his boot. I’m sorry, Wazza. 

Alejandro Garnacho scored a stunning overhead kick against Everton on Sunday

His strike was from around 15 yards out on an angle after a cut back from Diogo Dalot

Wayne Rooney also scored a spectacular overhead kick against Man City in 2011

Rooney’s was from a little close to goal and was from a more central position

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Rio Ferdinand believes Garnacho’s goal was much better than Rooney’s

‘I was in my house in the front room with my family and we went ballistic. It was nuts. Even my little boy, his tooth had just fell out, he fell and his tooth just got knocked out, he was trying to do overhead kicks in the living room like probably millions of little kids around the world at the time. 

‘That goal is better than Rooney’s. He was running away from the goal, a bit further away from the goal, at an angle. It was unbelievable, breathtaking moment.’

Garnacho even attempting the shot was a sign of the confidence that he possesses despite still only being 19 years of age.

Ferdinand is a big admirer of the teenager’s attitude, and went on to speak about how Garnacho’s fearless mindset may even have got him into trouble with international team-mate Lionel Messi.

‘My lad said to me the other day Messi unfollowed him. He said Messi’s unfollowed him,’ Ferdinand continued.

‘Because he comes out, don’t care, “I’m a Ronaldo man”. Who’s the GOAT? Ronaldo. (Even) when he’s in the Argentina squad.’