Source:
https://scmp.com/sport/soccer/article/2065386/wayne-rooneys-manchester-united-goal-record-will-stand-forever-says-sir
Sport/ Football

Wayne Rooney's Manchester United goal record will stand forever, says Sir Alex Ferguson

Former Old Trafford boss believes the striker’s haul will never be broken by anyone at the club

Wayne Rooney applauds the Manchester United fans after his late goal earned a point at Stoke. Photo: Reuters

Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson believes no one will ever beat Wayne Rooney’s record of 250 goals for the club.

Ferguson, who signed Rooney as an 18-year-old in 2004, said surpassing Bobby Charlton’s 249-goal mark by scoring against Stoke City last Saturday was “an achievement par excellence”.

“In the present-day game, it is difficult to see any club having players who can stay with them for 10 years,” he told the BBC.

“Jose [Mourinho] has mentioned Marcus Rashford and there is an opportunity for that young lad, if he stays at United, and develops his potential the way that Wayne has. But it is a very big target to hit.”

Jose Mourinho gestures from the touchline during the draw at Stoke. Photo: AFP
Jose Mourinho gestures from the touchline during the draw at Stoke. Photo: AFP

Ferguson also saluted the way Mourinho has turned round the club’s season after an uncertain start.

“I think he has done a great job,” said Ferguson of the third manager to be tried by the club since the Scot’s retirement in 2013.

“The first team weren’t doing great and you have to find solutions to correct that. I think Jose is finding solutions now.

“There was a period earlier in the season when he wasn’t getting the decisions and his emotions boiled over. You see him now – he is calm and in control.”

The 1-1 draw at Stoke at the weekend was United’s eighth in the league the season – the joint highest of any team in the division.

Wayne Rooney scores a free kick to break the all time goalscoring record for Manchester United. Photo: Reuters
Wayne Rooney scores a free kick to break the all time goalscoring record for Manchester United. Photo: Reuters

“You can see he has got to grips with the club. The team is playing really well and he has been very unlucky. He has had six 1-1 draws and in every game he has battered the opposition.

“If they hadn’t had all these draws, they would be there challenging Chelsea. That is the unfortunate part but he is going to have to live with that.”

United, sixth in the Premier League, have the chance to reach Wembley under Mourinho for the first time on Thursday when they take a 2-0 lead into the League Cup semi-final second leg against Hull City.