Rooney says footballers don’t stay in one place long enough to break his record (Picture: Getty)
Rooney says footballers don’t stay in one place long enough to break his record (Picture: Getty)

Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United would have to sign Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi in order for his record as the club’s all-time leading scorer to be broken.

The 31-year-old left Old Trafford for boyhood club Everton this summer, having left an indelible impression at United during his 13 seasons there.

And he is confident his record of 253 goals will remain intact as players don’t usually stay in one place long enough to hit those kind of figures – but there are two players who could manage it.

Rooney eclipsed Bobby Charlton’s record halfway through his 13th season at United (Picture: Getty)
Rooney eclipsed Bobby Charlton’s record halfway through his 13th season at United (Picture: Getty)

He said: ‘You never know, if they get someone like Messi or Ronaldo the record might get broken!

‘But I think that in football now, players don’t really tend to stay at clubs for that long. The only way I can see it being broken is if someone stays for the same period of time that I did.

Rooney and Ronaldo enjoyed several years of huge success together (Picture: Getty)

‘It is fantastic to have left that mark behind. It is a great legacy to have left. I left United with great memories. It was a successful time for the club and it was great for me.

‘I loved it there. I loved working with the players but it was the right time for me to move on and I feel I have certainly made the right decision in coming here.’

Rooney returned to Everton after United spent £75m on Romelu Lukaku (Picture: Getty)

Rooney finally eclipsed Bobby Charlton’s record against Stoke City in January, and says that personal achievement made up for a lack of involvement in the club’s two trophy wins.

He continued: ‘To score that goal against Stoke for United last season was a highlight for me because of what it meant. It was a huge moment for me as a player.

Rooney has already played two competitive games since returning, against Ruzomberok (Getty)

‘Winning the trophies was great, but it was tough at times because I didn’t feel like I was part of winning the League Cup and Europa League.

‘But it was a special moment to beat Sir Bobby. It was a proud moment.

‘Obviously the first game back against Stoke will be an emotional and special day for me, but you have to put that aside once you are on the pitch and get out there and play.

‘Before every game there are nerves but once you are out there they go out of your head. Hopefully we will get a win and I will try to get a goal. That would be perfect.’

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