Rooney equals Van Nistelrooy's European goal record for Man Utd

The Red Devils skipper netted in a 2-1 defeat to Fenerbahce, drawing level with his former Dutch team-mate on 38 in continental competition

Manchester United may have slipped to a 2-1 defeat away at Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday evening, but Wayne Rooney will be able to take a couple of positives from the game.

The Red Devils skipper was included from the start by Jose Mourinho in Istanbul, after a recent run of games on the bench.

He rewarded that show of faith with a spectacular strike in the dying minutes, with a 25-yard drive screaming into the top corner.

His effort was unable to rescue anything from the tie, but it did help the 31-year-old to reach another notable landmark at Old Trafford – with his goal return in continental competition now on a par with Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Rooney is also fast closing in on another United goal-scoring record, with Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time return for the club now well within his sights.

Rooney may get another opportunity to add to his tally on Sunday against Swansea City in the Premier League before attention switches to the latest round of international fixtures.