Rooney seeks record double

15 November 2012 22:47

Wayne Rooney has set himself the challenge of surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton's goalscoring records for both Manchester United and England.

Rooney needs 17 more to emulate Charlton's international tally and another 64 to equal the former midfield legend's record at Old Trafford.

At 27, the former Everton man clearly feels time is on his side to overhaul both, and said in an interview with Shortlist magazine: "Sir Bobby Charlton holds both (records) so that's a great challenge. The guy is a legend and is such a presence around the club. If I could break his record as Manchester United's top goalscorer and maybe even England's...wow! That is such a great incentive."

He went on: "I want to play as long as I can and to have shared a dressing room with the likes of Giggsy (Ryan Giggs) and Paul Scholes is inspiration to do just that. At least another 10 years would be great."

Rooney is already fourth in the overall scorers list at United but has had to take a backseat role this season with Robin van Persie taking centre stage.

Rooney has been deployed in a deeper position but is itching to play a key role up front again soon.

"I can see myself one day moving back into midfield - I can do it - but I'm not ready yet. I'm a centre-forward and I score goals," he added.

"I feel I have plenty of goals left in me. I'll play there [midfield] if I have to and I have done so at United, but goals are still my main aim and the biggest part of my game."

Source: PA