Ruud: Rooney will rule

Wayne Rooney was today tipped to become Manchester United's greatest-ever striker - by the player whose goalscoring feats he has already started pursuing.

Ruud van Nistelrooy watched Rooney's incredible debut hat-trick for United in the 6-2 Champions League rout of Fenerbahce and declared: "It was fantastic. If he keeps on doing the same thing like this then he can break my records."

Van Nistelrooy became United's top European goalscorer two weeks ago when he passed Denis Law's mark and another goal at Old Trafford last night took his record tally to a remarkable 31 from 34 matches.

Yet the Dutchman was happy to play second fiddle to the astonishing 18-year-old who, unfazed by all the hype surrounding his £27million move from Everton, produced what was today being hailed by team-mates as the finest debut in United's history.

"I honestly hope he can break my records. He is 18 and he has such a bright future ahead of him," said van Nistelrooy. "I wish him all the best and hope and believe he can break every single record there is for Manchester United.

"Everybody congratulated him after the game on a fantastic performance, which he totally deserved. It is all good for United and it is is great to have him here because he is quality. He showed amazing character. If I were to praise one thing, it was his attitude. He is 18 and he knows all eyes are on him but he goes out and does his own thing. To do that at his young age is fantastic."