Yorke: Rooney's Goal Better Than Beckham

Dwight Yorke says Wayne Rooney's spectacular long-range goal against West Ham was better than David Beckham's iconic strike against Wimbledon.

Former Manchester United midfielder Beckham made his name in August 1996 when he lobbed the ball over Neil Sullivan from inside his own half - and he was at Upton Park on Saturday evening to see Rooney score a comparable 58-yard goal in a 2-0 victory for David Moyes' side.

But even though Saturday's effort was from slightly closer range, former Red Devils forward Yorke says it was a better goal because it was hit on the volley over Adrian, rather than being kicked from the floor.

And he said it was also arguably better than the famous bicycle kick Rooney scored against Manchester City in 2011.

"This guy has scored some spectacular goals in the past - ie against City and he scored one against Newcastle - but I think Becks would be very proud of this one," Yorke said on Saturday Night Football.

"For me I think it's a much more difficult skill [than Beckham's]. He hits it with a bit of 'swazz' as we say in football - the outside of the boot.

"It's much easier to kick it off the deck. I think to hit it with 'swazz', with the outside of your boot that far, is a difficult skill.

"To actually be precise with it is a very difficult skill. Obviously Wazza can do that. We've seen time and time again he has always produced these magical moments.

"To do that knowing how important this game was - and to try it - was just fantastic."

Fellow Saturday Night Football expert Jamie Redknapp disagreed, arguing that the range of Beckham's goal made it more spectacular.

He also criticised the defending of West Ham defender James Tomkins, who was muscled easily off the ball by Rooney, but he admitted the effort was "genius".

"I'm going for David Beckham's," Redknapp said.

"It was just inside his own half, but it was brilliance - absolute brilliance - from Rooney.

"I would want my centre-back to be a lot stronger than James Tomkins was. As the ball fell to Wayne Rooney there was the slightest nudge, but I don't think you can complain about that.

"After that it was pure genius from Rooney. You need the ability and audacity to try it - and he hits it so hard. I love the fact that as soon as the ball bounces he has a little look and sees where the keeper is. It's fantastic.

"He knew where the keeper was - but I'm not sure the keeper knew where he was!"