Manchester United forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic hits out against lack of respect shown to Wayne Rooney

The forward expressed his dismay that Rooney continues to remain under-appreciated by some

The Swede has praised his United team-mate as 'the complete player' (Getty)

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has hit out against the lack of respect and value shown by some to Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney.

The 31-year-old broke United’s all-time scoring record in stunning fashion on Saturday, bending home a stylish free-kick to secure a last-gasp 1-1 draw at Stoke.

Rooney was widely praised after clinching his 250th goal for the club to move clear of previous record holder Sir Bobby Charlton.

Yet despite such feats, the forward’s legacy continues to be attacked by critics and speaking in the wake of Saturday’s draw, Ibrahimovic vented his frustration against the undercurrent of antipathy that haunts Rooney.

"He's a complete player," the Swede said. "Off the field he's a real leader and on the field he's just complete.

"He helps his team-mates well and has that big quality - he knows how to score goals, knows how to assist.

"But he works very hard, he's got a good attitude and spirit.

"Everybody knows what Wayne is. But this country has to appreciate him.

"I don't see any other strikers like him today. Give me some names. Tell me. And still you're not happy."

Rooney is not unequivocally loved like Charlton, but his impact for club and country is undeniable.

Where Rooney will fit in the pantheon of United greats is up for debate, but Ibrahimovic pointed to giants of the past when underlining the enormity of what he has achieved.

"It's amazing," he said. "He's the top scorer of the club and I'm very happy for him.

"It's a big thing you know - many great players have been here and his name is right on top.

"I'm very proud to have been on the same field as him when he did it and hopefully he can continue to do what he's doing."

Rooney's memorable weekend continued on Sunday as the Football Writers' Association presented him with the annual Tribute Award, recognising his outstanding contribution to the national game.

Jesse Lingard believes the forward deserves all the praise he is getting.

"It's an excellent record and for the young strikers coming through," the home-grown winger said.


 Rooney is now United's all-time top goalscorer 
 (Getty)

"Wayne has set a great example for them and we look up to him as a great leader and role model.

"It was mixed emotions, but we know it's a great record that Wayne has set and it's a great standard for the youngsters to look up to."

Additional reporting by PA.