STOKE-ON-TRENT, United Kingdom (AFP) - Wayne Rooney became Manchester United's record scorer when he netted his 250th goal for the English giants in a 1-1 draw away to Stoke City in the Premier League on Saturday (Jan 21).

Rooney equalised in the fourth minute of stoppage time to break fellow England great Bobby Charlton's United record of 249 goals.

The 31-year-old forward, making his 546th United appearance, surpassed 1966 World Cup-winner Charlton's record in style when he bent a free-kick past Stoke goalkeeper Lee Grant into the top corner of the net at the Britannia Stadium.

His latest United goal came a fortnight after Rooney, who succeeded Charlton as England's record goal-scorer in 2015, equalled the former midfielder's United mark during an FA Cup tie against second-tier Reading.

The player's landmark moment triggered plaudits from across the sporting world as stars took to Twitter to hail the 31-year-old striker: .

"England's best goalscorer. Man Utd best goalscorer. Wayne Rooney What a player. What a career. Congratulations!" said former England captain Alan Shearer.

"Congratulations Wayne Rooney on an incredible achievement," said Gary Neville, a former United and England team-mate of Rooney.

"Wayne Rooney breaks the Manchester United goal scoring record with a free-kick that Bobby Charlton would have been proud of," wrote former England striker Gary Lineker.

"Yesssssssss Wayne Rooney, Man Utd, #Goaaaalll," said Olympic sprint champion and United fan Usain Bolt, while Rio Ferdinand, another former United and England colleague of Rooney said, "Wazzzzaaaaaaaaaaa.... 250 Club!"

"Congratulations Wayne Rooney fantastic achievement," said former United captain Bryan Robson.

Wrote United winger Ashley Young: "Yes Wazza! 250 goals! What an achievement to be Man Utd's all time top scorer! #legend."