Ace Rooney wants to be a record-breaker

MANCHESTER United hat-trick hero Wayne Rooney is setting his sights on Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time club goalscoring record.

Rooney played a pivotal role in United’s stunning 8-2 annihilation of Arsenal at Old Trafford.

The England forward curled home free–kicks either side of the interval before completing his atest three–timer eight minutes from the end of an astonishing rout.

His first effort saw him become the latest man to score 150 times for United. By the end he had overtaken Ruud van Nistelrooy as the 10th most prolific player in Red Devils’ history.

Aged just 25, Rooney now has Charlton’s 249 in his sights.

“It is always a great feeling to score,” he said. “Now I have over 150 goals for a club like United and hopefully there are many more to come.

“I was aware I was one off 150 before the game. I asked how many Bobby Charlton scored. Giggsy (Ryan Giggs) said I had another 100 to go. That is a target.”

Rooney’s efforts brought an end to a quite amazing day as the city of Manchester put north London in its place and sent out a clear warning where the power of English football is now housed — not that Sir Alex Ferguson is quite ready to dismiss all-comers just yet.

“It is only three games,” he said. “We have a long way to go to get through winter but we have a strong squad.

“Manchester City have a very strong, experienced squad. You can never rule out Chelsea and Liverpool are starting to come good now after spending a lot of money. But in eight months’ time, you don’t know.”

After such a comprehensive victory, Ferguson is now hoping skipper Nemanja Vidic will be fit again after his calf problem by the time United return to action at Bolton immediately after the international break.

Unfortunately for Danny Welbeck, who bagged the opener yesterday, he will not after pulling up before half–time with a hamstring injury.

Ashley Young (two), Nani and Park Ji-Sung were also on the mark for United.