Mou hails ‘fantastic’ Rooney for record

But even taking into account Rashford’s brace, which ended a 17-game scoreless run for the 19-year-old, and Rooney’s club record-equalling 249th goal for United, Martial’s performance was the most promising of the lot.

Rooney has twice hit his career-best tally of 34 goals in a season, in 2009-10 and 2011-12, while he has made it to double figures in all of his campaigns with the club.

“To do it at such a massive club like Manchester United, it is a really proud moment for me”, Rooney said.

Mario Melchiot has lifted the lid on his conversation with Daley Blind about Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.

It could have been worse in the closing minutes as Fellaini was denied from close range, but Reading’s cup journey this year was over before it had barely begun with United racking up their eighth straight victory.

Rooney set up Anthony Martial for 2-0 not long after he scored the opener.

Rashford made it 3-0 with a composed finish after a defence-splitting by Michael Carrick in the 75th minute and he soon took advantage of Al Habsi’s howler to blast the ball home from point-blank range.

Reading boss Jaap Stam, making his first return to Old Trafford as a manager after his hugely successful time as a United player from 1998 to 2001, also paid tribute to Rooney.

Despite not being a regular starter for the club anymore, Rooney has won it all with United since joining the club for £27 million in 2004.

Rooney has no immediate plans to depart the Manchester club, meaning he has a strong chance of surpassing the record he now shares with Charlton.

United’s captain and was able to invest great effort by Marcial in the left side to score the first goals of the game in the seventh minute. He is an unbelievable guy in the group and we all want him to do it.

“They train very well, they have a big desire to play, they are very good friends in-between them so they are always positive and when someone is not playing, he’s motivating another one and waiting for their opportunity”.

Having smashed it home from barely a yard, many United fans watching were reminded of a goal Rashford scored earlier in the season, when their side travelled to Northampton in the League Cup.

So, how many more goals for him for United? “There has certainly not been a player under 20 as good as him since I became a manager here”.

World Cup victor Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson and England boss Gareth Southgate were among those that witnessed a historic moment from which there was no let-up.

Evans appeared to say no, with social media suggesting his City loyalties – he joined them aged six and stayed until 21 – had kicked in.