Manchester United manager David Moyes believes Wayne Rooney is already a "legend" and has backed the striker to become the club's all-time top scorer.
After netting a brace in Saturday’s 2-0 victory at West Ham, Rooney became the third-highest scorer in United's history.
His record stands at 212 goals in 436 appearances, leaving him 25 short of Denis Law and 37 shy of the man who tops the charts, Sir Bobby Charlton.
Moyes said: "If you are third-top scorer of a club like Manchester United you already are a legend.
Rooney is mobbed by his team-mates after his wonder goal against West Ham
"As long as he doesn't pick up any serious injuries he has a real good chance of breaking Denis Law's and Sir Bobby Charlton's [records] and that would be some feat."
The first of Rooney’s goals at Upton Park was a strong contender for the goal of the season after he netted from 56 yards out, and Moyes is looking for a similar performance on Tuesday night when neighbours City head to Old Trafford for the 167th Manchester derby.
"I don't know if he'll be the key man because this game has got many top-class players in it, but he is certainly one of them," said Moyes.
"His form throughout the season has been very good and his goal against West Ham capped it all off.
"He has a real appetite back again.
"On Saturday he showed what he is about. He has a big energy back again."
Moyes added: "Everyone who knew Wayne Rooney from old in his early days would say one of the biggest things [about him] was that he had big energy and a big heart.
"And if you get Wayne playing like that well the rest of his football takes care of itself."
Manchester United take on neighbours City at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening, kick-off 7.45pm.
