Rooney can be United´s best

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is confident that in-form striker Wayne Rooney can become the club’s all-time record scorer.

The record is held by 1966 World Cup winner Sir Bobby Charlton, who managed 247 goals in his 17 years with the club.

Rooney is ninth, having amassed 156 goals in just over seven years at Old Trafford.

With time on his side, Sir Alex believes the England man is definitely capable of reaching and surpassing the record set by Charlton.

“I do (think he can eclipse that feat),” Ferguson told Inside United.

“He is only 25 years of age, so you’d think he has at least another five years in him at the very top level.”

“And if he looks after himself like Ryan Giggs has done, he could play well into his 30s.”

“The opportunity is there and time is on his side. He’s raced out of the blocks already this season and I hope he could get up to around the 30 mark.”

Meanwhile, Ferguson will be hoping Rooney can avoid injury while away on international duty with England in Montenegro, as United face rivals Liverpool and Manchester City after the break.

Ferguson has in the past suggested Liverpool were United’s biggest rivals, but he is now aware of the threat City can pose.

“All derbies are big now – that is the nature of the landscape.” he said.

“The impetus City now have – they have a huge squad of players and the financial power to attract some of the best footballers in the world – actually changes the focus of the derby these days.”

“The talking point isn’t so much the actual game but the dynamics of how Manchester City have changed football and what we do to compete with that.”