Rooney, 31, broke the deadlock in the seventh minute at Old Trafford, steering Juan Mata's cross over Reading goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi with his right knee.

Former United midfielder Charlton and former United manager Alex Ferguson, both of whom were in attendance, joined fans in applauding Rooney's feat.

The United captain, who was making his 543rd appearance for the club, broke Charlton's England scoring record in October 2015 and has now scored 53 goals for his country.