WAYNE ROONEY has been backed by team-mate Phil Jones to match Sir Bobby Charlton’s Manchester United goalscoring record this weekend.
Rooney scored in United’s 4-0 victory over Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday night, taking him within one goal of the club-best tally.
Red Devils legend Charlton’s 249-goal record has stood for over 40 years.
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But defender Phil Jones wants to see Rooney equal it against West Ham at Old Trafford on Sunday.
He said: “He’s a world-class player, has been for many years and is a legend at the club. I’m just delighted for him. He’s a great lad off the pitch as well.
“I hope he scores in the first minute on Sunday. He’s got all the talent in the world so let’s hope he keeps scoring the goals.”
His chip against Feyenoord made Rooney United’s record scorer in Europe, beating Ruud van Nistelrooy’s tally of 38 strikes in European competition.
And Rooney, 31, has already surpassed Charlton’s England goalscoring record when he hit his 50th strike for his country last year.
But he made headlines for different reasons when he was snapped enjoying a wedding party at the team hotel while on England duty a fortnight ago.
Jones said the Three Lions skipper provided the best response to the controversy with Thursday’s opener against Feyenoord.
Jones, 24, said: “It’s been difficult for him but it’s water off a duck’s back for him. He’s dealt with that throughout his career. He showed that it doesn’t bother him. He put in a good performance and got his goal.
“There was a bit of banter in the dressing-room, but nothing that players wouldn’t say or do. He takes it with a pinch of salt.”
West Ham are just one point clear of the relegation zone while United failed to recover ground on the top four when they conceded a 90th-minute equaliser in their 1-1 draw against Arsenal last weekend.
And Jones said: “It’s important that once we’re ahead we kill games off. It’s difficult when you concede a last-minute goal. But you’ve just got to keep going, there’s nothing you can do about it, you can’t dwell on it.
“You just keep going, train well. We prepared right for this game, it’s come around quick and we’ve got another one Sunday.”
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The centre-back has started the last three games for United after a 10-month injury lay-off and thanked boss Jose Mourinho for keeping faith in him.
He added: “I felt good training and he’s given me the chances that I wanted and I’m thankful for that.
“I need to look after myself but I’m just delighted to be back playing and being in the dressing room with the lads. It’s a good feeling.”
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