Ace playmaker Ronaldinho has revealed how AC Milan has launched 'Operation Rooney' to stop the 28-goal hitman from scoring against them in Champions League round-of-16 tie at Old Trafford.

Rooney scored twice in Manchester United's 3-2 first leg win at the San Siro and will play tonight after recovering from a knee injury.

"Rooney was incredible in the first match. We have watched videos of the game and the key to victory for us will be stopping him receiving the ball close to our penalty area," The Sun quoted Ronaldinho, as saying.

"If we can stop him our own options soar. We can beat United. As far as I am concerned, this match is like the Champions League final itself," he said.

"I see a very attacking game with many goals," Ronaldinho added.

Rooney is looking to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo's 42-goal haul of two seasons ago.

And Ronaldo, now at Real Madrid, said of Rooney: "He is sensational at the moment. If he carries on like this he will soon be very close to the number of goals I scored." (ANI)