Moyes backs Rooney for record

Rooney is set to make the 500th club appearance of his career when United take on Aston Villa on Sunday.

It will also give the 28-year-old a chance to edge further up United's scoring charts.

Currently on 207, Rooney needs four more to catch Jack Rowley, who is in third spot.

After that it is Denis Law (237) before finally Sir Bobby Charlton, who scored 249 times in a 17-year career with the Old Trafford outfit.

"There are some big targets ahead for Wayne," said Moyes.

"Can he break Bobby Charlton's goalscoring record?

"There are some fantastic legends around this club and Wayne has got a chance to be one of them.

"He already is with what he does but I am talking real top status.

"Those targets are not too far away if he keeps playing the way he is now.

"If he does I am sure he will get there because he is that good."

However, whilst Moyes is convinced Rooney can extend his career well into his thirties due to his ability to operate in midfield, he doubts whether he - or anyone else - will get close to Ryan Giggs' tally of 952 appearances.

"Wayne is a boy who will play for a long time," said Moyes.

"He can go far in terms of numbers because as he gets older he is adaptable and such a good football player.

"Maybe if he gets older and loses a bit of his pace he can always drop a bit deeper and play deeper.

"Whether he reaches Giggs' total is a different thing thing because that is nearly inhuman."

Source: PA

Source: PA