England coach Roy Hodgson says Wayne Rooney deserves to be regarded as a Manchester United legend.

Hodgson admits some of Liverpool's self-appointed legends didn't register with him when in charge.

He stated: "When I was at Liverpool I was constantly surrounded by people who were described by Liverpool TV as legends - some of whom I could barely remember!

"So I think the word 'legend' is a dangerous one - but I would think Wayne is already a legend.

"For England, his record is fantastic. To get 50 international goals today is harder than it was in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, because the game has moved forward.

"The sort of teams who England used to score between five and ten against are now more organised.

"Wayne has got those goals in a highly-competitive situation and needs to be very proud of it.

"Having said that, Sir Bobby will always be regarded as if not the best, then one of the very best players we've ever produced.

"And I'm sure Wayne, as a Man United player, will get extra pleasure knowing that he's getting closer to the player that is Bobby Charlton.

"And, of course, what Charlton has, which no player of the current generation has, is a World Cup-winners' medal."