Manchester United eased through to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a comfortable 4-0 win over Championship outfit Reading, managed by former Old Trafford favourite Jaap Stam.
But the day was all about a modern day hero to the Stratford End hordes in the shape of Wayne Rooney.
Rooney scored in the win to draw level with Sir Bobby Charlton as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer. The forward’s goal against the Royals took him to to 249 goals in 543 games — and he did so 215 matches quicker than the England World Cup winner.
A delighted Rooney said:
“We’ve got two home games coming up this week so hopefully I can get the next one in one of those. This club is a huge part of my life and I’m honoured to be up there alongside Sir Bobby.”
Rooney struck within 10 minutes and Anthony Martial added a second before Marcus Rashford made it 3-0 and then scored agin to wrap things up following a blunder by Reading keeper Ali Al-Habsi.
United coach Mourinho said he was glad to pick up the triumph and run the rule over players who he handed a role despite not necessarily being first team regulars.
He said:
“I am happy because it was a professional job from minute one. We knew Reading could create difficulties, especially if you allow them to settle in the game.”
“It is also good for me to see some of the players that are not starting in many games – they are good physically and I can count on them for the rest of the season.”
The victory was United’s eighth triumph on the spin in all competitions and sets Mourinho’s men up for a mouth-watering EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Hull.
Then the Red Devils gear up for one of their biggest games of the season on Sunday when they host Liverpool in the Premier League.