Wayne Rooney ‘proud and honoured’ to equal Sir Bobby Charlton’s Manchester United scoring record
Wayne Rooney is ‘proud and honoured’ to join the legendary Sir Bobby Charlton as Manchester United’s top goalscorer, but is nevertheless determined to be crown as the club’s best.
Rooney netted the 249th goal of his United career to open the scoring in a 4-0 victory over Reading in their Fa Cup third round tie at Old Trafford on Saturday.
His effort was unorthodox, with the ball floating in off the striker’s knee, but they all count and this one proved historic as it drew the striker level with Charlton.
And the Red Devils legend was chief among those in the stands celebrating as Rooney reached the land mark in his 543rd game for the club.
The United captain has already overtaken the World Cup winner as England's all-time top scorer, and has now his sights set on doing the same at club level.
"It's a proud moment to do so at such a massive club like Manchester United," Rooney told BT Sport.
"I'm hugely honoured to be able to play for this football club but to be up there in terms of goals with Sir Bobby, it's a really proud moment for me and hopefully I'll be out there on my own soon.
"But I'll enjoy today because it's a real honour."
Anthony Martial's strike and a second-half Marcus Rashford brace completed a comprehensive third-round victory, with Ali Al-Habsi denying Rooney a milestone 250th United goal in the second half.
The 31-year-old played with a hunger he was synonymous with during his early United days following his £30million move from Everton - a time when he did not expect to ever achieve such a feat at Old Trafford.
"You don't think that far ahead but I've been at this club for a long time," Rooney said.
"I'm enjoying it, I'm enjoying my football and I'm thankful again today to score again. It's a huge part of my life this football club.
"Of course you want to do records in front of your home fans.
"We've got two home games coming up [against Hull and fierce rivals Liverpool] so hopefully I can get the next one in one of those two games.
"I'm delighted for today but I think more importantly for today is the result."
United players past and present took to the media to congratulate Rooney on the goal, while manager Jose Mourinho echoed that praise and said a greater day is yet to come.
"I think the best day will arrive," the Portuguese said. "This is not the best day for him - the best day will arrive, it's just a question of when.
"But it is amazing because everybody knows who Sir Bobby is and what he means for the history of the club and the history of English football.
"And for Wayne to score the same number of goals for Manchester United is fantastic. But, again, the best day will arrive."