Wayne Rooney's record breaking day felt understated... the Manchester United striker showed why he has surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton's mark with his reaction to the late goal

Although a quite sumptuous way to break Sir Bobby Charlton’s record, Wayne Rooney’s historic afternoon had an understated feel to it.

And that came from the man himself - more bothered about the dropped points than picking up of gongs.

Rooney will not mind any suggestion that his breathtaking 94th-minute free-kick was him rolling back the years. This was his best goal in seasons.

Wayne Rooney broke Sir Bobby Charlton's goalscoring record on Saturday night at Stoke

Wayne Rooney broke Sir Bobby Charlton's goalscoring record on Saturday night at Stoke

Rooney whipped in a free-kick from the left that curled over Stoke City's goalkeeper Lee Grant

Rooney whipped in a free-kick from the left that curled over Stoke City's goalkeeper Lee Grant

Despite the landmark, Rooney did not celebrate wildly, instead calling for the ball

Despite the landmark, Rooney did not celebrate wildly, instead calling for the ball

It was a pleasure to witness, the United striker sizing up Lee Grant’s far left-hand post and unleashing an effort with whip and fizz in equal measure.


But there was no outpouring of emotion from the 31-year-old, who’d clawed his side back into a game that had appeared lost in a moment reminiscent of the early days at this club.

No, he clenched his fist, let a huge roar go before ignoring both Ander Herrera and Chris Smalling - both converging on him to celebrate - and pointed towards the ball. Get it, and start again. He had a winner in his sights. 

His insistence to locate the ball explains why Rooney has managed to surpass Charlton

His insistence to locate the ball explains why Rooney has managed to surpass Charlton

Rooney was congratulated by Charlton in the dressing room after the match for his effort

Rooney was congratulated by Charlton in the dressing room after the match for his effort

It never came - there was barely enough time to restart the game - but in essence, his insistence to locate the ball offers genuine insight into why Sir Bobby Charlton is now only United’s second highest goalscorer in the club’s long, illustrious history.

We later found out that Charlton visited the away dressing room to congratulate Rooney, whose demeanour afterwards was one of obvious elation but disappointment at the 1-1 draw too.

He did not dive into the away section of the Bet365 Stadium, nor did he make a beeline for his manager. Rooney meant business and that will continue from here.

Even at full-time, he politely applauded the adoring thousands behind Grant’s goal, twice raising a hand to them before heading down the tunnel.

A member of United’s staff waited for him at the entrance and the camera flashes started. Rooney will have a whirlwind 48 hours but this had the feel of business as usual.

It will be a whirlwind for Rooney, but in the end this felt like  business as usual for him

It will be a whirlwind for Rooney, but in the end this felt like business as usual for him