Wayne Rooney moved level with Sir Bobby Charlton’s Manchester United   scoring record as the Red Devils beat Reading 4-0 on Saturday.

Former United defender Jason Stam returned to Old Trafford for the FA Cup third round tie but Reading manager and his side were never at the races.

Rooney opened the scoring with a flick past goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi in what would turn out to be a horrible afternoon for the Reading shot stopper.

The goal saw the England star move level on 249 Manchester United goals with Charlton applauding his efforts from the stands.

Anthony Martial kept his wonderful scoring run in Cup competitions alive when he placed an effort into the bottom right. The French striker now has five goals in six matches in cup competitions.

Jose Mourinho’s side continue to swarm forward but Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata failed to add their names to the scoresheet despite a host of chances.

The first half wasn’t all smiles for the hosts with Marcos Rojo limping off leaving many to question whether the club will now be forced into the January transfer market with only Chris Smalling and Phil Jones available.

The second half was a more sluggish affair after United took their foot off the pedal. Rashford however was determined to get his goal and it eventually came after a wonderful through ball by Michael Carrick sent him clear on goal. The youngster then tucked the ball into the net with Al-Habsi easily beaten.

Al-Habsi’s afternoon got worse when he miskicked a clearance allowing Rashford to grab a brace as he smashed home United’s fourth from a yard out.

Bastain Schweinsteiger and Timothy Fosu-Mensah were given 15 minutes to impress but the game was well beyond Reading who failed to test Sergio Romero all afternoon.

The win is Mourinho’s eighth successive win representing the club’s best run of form in eight years.