Zlatan Ibrahimovic demands respect for Wayne Rooney after Manchester United captain breaks Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time goals record

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Delivered with a stare, Zlatan Ibrahimovic firmly articulated exactly what senior professionals think of Wayne Rooney.

Vexed at how he is under-appreciated, those who have played with Manchester United's new record goalscorer cannot fathom why Rooney's every move is scrutinised.

It felt like Ibrahimovic was speaking for his team-mates, refusing to hold back and overtly criticising those who continue to pick apart Rooney's readjustment at Old Trafford.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes Wayne Rooney deserves respect for his record-breaking exploits

Rooney became Manchester United's all-time leading scorer after finding the net against Stoke on Saturday

'Everybody knows what Wayne is. But this country has to appreciate him,' said Ibrahimovic. 'I don't see any other strikers like him today. Give me some names. Tell me.'

No names were forthcoming.

'And still you're not happy.'

With that Ibrahimovic was off on United's coach following an impassioned defence of his captain, whose utter brilliance saw them escape from Stoke with a point.

This was Rooney rolling back the years, an exquisite free-kick fizzed into the top left-hand corner of Lee Grant's net with second of stoppage time remaining. Goal No 250.

It saw him surpass Sir Bobby Charlton's 44-year record — the United legend wandered into the dressing room afterwards to congratulate his successor — and offer a rebuttal to those who believe he's finished.

'He's a complete player,' Ibrahimovic had said before hammering home his point. 'It's a big thing you know — many great players have been here and his name is right on top.

'I'm very proud to have been on the same field as him when he did it and hopefully he can continue to do what he's doing.

Rooney scored a sublime free-kick during the 1-1 draw to break Sir Bobby Charlton's record

'Off the field he's a real leader and on the field he's just complete.'

Rooney was an understated figure in the Potteries, more bothered about finding the ball in search of an absurdly late winner than celebrating his monumental achievement.

After scoring, he brushed off Chris Smalling and Ander Herrera to race back to halfway for the final seconds of a game which goes down as a missed opportunity, given results on Merseyside and at the Etihad.

The 31-year-old picked up the Football Writers' Association Tribute Award at a glitzy Savoy Hotel bash in London on Sunday, but his mind is already fixed on finding a permanent way back into Jose Mourinho's plans.

Ibrahimovic believes his Red Devils team-mate often does not receive the credit he deserves

'I just have to keep going,' said Rooney. 'Obviously I've been a bit in and out of the team this season, so my main priority now is to fight for my place in the starting line-up. I want to win my place back. I need to keep trying to perform and score to stay in the team.

'I know deep down Sir Bobby is really pleased for me. It's obviously not nice when your record goes but I think he is genuinely pleased for me and I really respect the man.

'It's one of the biggest, if not the biggest, football clubs in the world and to be the record goalscorer, it's a proud moment for me.'

Rooney picked up the Football Writers' Association Tribute Award on Sunday evening

Sir Alex Ferguson was also witness to history being made, but Mourinho is the man who owns Rooney's future. The feeling is that when United do lose him, more than mere records will vanish.

'He's been a very good captain and a very good person,' said Mourinho. 'He is always close to the players and he has a very good relationship with me and my staff.

'He is very humble, very respectful and I can only have good things to say about him.'