Wayne Rooney has set his sights on surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton's long standing record of 249 goals for Manchester United.

The 26-year-old Manchester United talisman is currently on 158 goals in 337 games for the Red Devils and although he is realistic enough to acknowledge "all sorts of things can happen" in football, Rooney is intent on beating Charlton's record, which he got in 758 games.

Rooney has scored 12 goals in 16 games and has an overall record of a goal in every two games for Manchester United.

The striker believes it would be a huge honour to reach Charlton's tally because of what England's record goal scorer means to Manchester United.

"It would be fantastic if ever I could reach such a record and become the all-time top scorer for Manchester United. I would be absolutely thrilled to do it." Rooney told The Sun.

"I look at it and I certainly feel I'm capable of doing it over the next five or six years.

"If I do, then it would be an incredible achievement for me personally.

"I would be so honoured and proud. Sir Bobby Charlton is an absolute legend, a true great and it would be amazing to overtake his record which has stood for so long.

"But while it is an ambition of mine I know that in this game you can't take anything for granted - you can never be sure of anything in football.

"Injuries can happen, all sorts of things can happen but yes, if I stay fit and in form then I have a real chance."

Rooney signed for Manchester United in August 2004 from Everton in a deal worth a reputed £25.6 million. He has since played an integral role in four Premier League title victories, two League Cups and the 2008 Champions League, and was the double footballer of the year in 2010.

Manchester United FC Wayne Rooney