Wayne Rooney backs Marcus Rashford to follow in his footsteps at Manchester United

Wayne Rooney believes Marcus Rashford has what it takes to surpass his tally of 253 goals and become Manchester United's all-time record goalscorer.

The 25-year-old, who pulled out of the England squad ahead of the recent international break, has been in blistering form for the Reds this season, scoring 27 goals in all competitions. His career has been resurrected by manager Erik ten Hag and he has established himself, on current form, as one of the best players in the world.

Playing a central role in United's undisputed progress under Ten Hag this season, Rashford has put last season's struggles behind him and become a regular source of goals, both domestically and in Europe. His exploits this term mean that he now has 120 goals to his name in United colours, putting him 19th on the club's all-time leading goalscorers chart.

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But although he still needs another 133 goals to match Rooney's legendary record, the D.C. United boss, who spent 13 years at Old Trafford, is confident that Rashford has what it takes to beat his tally and cement his place in the history books.

"I think we've all known about Marcus, even before he was in the first team, coming through the academy," Rooney told CNN. "He's a top player and he fell off a little bit over the last 18 months especially. And again, I think Ten Hag has come in and really simplified it for him.

"I'm not a player who sits on records and hopes no one breaks them. I hope he does it and the reasons why [with] him being a Manchester lad coming through the academy.

"I think it's a great story and it means he's been very successful with the club and been there a long time and scored a lot of goals if he does do