Gary Neville believes Wayne Rooney could one day beat Sir Bobby Charlton’s scoring record for Manchester United.
Rooney has not even reached the halfway point in the chase to reach Charlton’s milestone of 249.
However, he did take his current tally to 102 with his crucial penalty against Arsenal on Saturday, leaving the 23-year-old 18th on the all-time list behind such notables as Ruud van Nistelrooy and Cristiano Ronaldo, who found the net on 118 occasions.
Of his present team-mates, both Ryan Giggs - who eclipsed Charlton’s appearance record in the 2008 Champions League final - and Paul Scholes have both scored more often.
But Rooney does have time on his side and, having pledged his long-term future to the club he joined from Everton as an 18-year-old in 2004, the (EURO)27m star could get much closer.
“There is a long time to go before he gets there but Wayne does have an opportunity to beat Bobby Charlton’s scoring record,” said Neville.
“He will have to play a lot more games and stay clear of injury because that record has stood for many years and will be very difficult to break. But a player of his ability should score goals. He plays centre-forward for Manchester United. That points you in the right direction.”
Abou Diaby is keen to forgot the ‘silly mistake’ that sent Arsenal crashing to defeat at Manchester United.
The gunners looked on course for an impressive victory over the reigning Barclays Premier League champions when Andrey Arshavin’s long-range strike handed them a 1-0 interval lead at Old Trafford on Saturday.
But after the break Wayne Rooney netterd from the penalty spot before an own gorl from Diaby gave United a 2-1 victory.
The French midfielder was unchallenged when he headed a Ryan Giggs free-kick past goalkeeper Manuel Almunia.
Diaby Said: “I have to forget it. I made a silly mistake and it’s difficult to explain what happended.
“The goalkeeper called out to me to leave the ball, but it’s all my fault.
“Even when I look back at the images I ask myself what happened, and I tell myself that it’s just not possible.”
“I was so wound up and soon after I rushed my shot because I didn’t apply myself properly.”
Diaby, though, is hopeful this could turn out to be a key season in his career at Arsenal, having struggled for regular fitness and form in ths past.
He added: “It could be the right year for Arsenal.
“I hope to play in a more central position.I prefer out 4-3-3 system as I don’t play in a wide role.”
Manager Arsene Wenger recently went on record as saying that Diaby can become a ‘powerhouse’ in midfield if he can streer clear of injury.
The 28-year-old becomes the second big star to commit his future to the club in a matter of days after captain John terry penned a five-year deal.
Cole has been an intergral part of the blues side since joining from Arsenal back in 2006.
The left-back scored his first goal of the season in last weekend’s 3-0 win over Burnley at Stamford Bridge.
Cole recently lauded the spirit at the club since the arrival of new manager Carlo Ancelotti in the summer.
“This is my fourth season here now and it feels as if we are getting more close and more of a family, and the spirit is better than I have ever seen it here,” he said.
“We are hungry to win, we didn’t list losing last season and hopefully this season can be out year.”