Wayne Rooney has come under intense criticism of late from Manchester United supporters and pundits alike who think Louis van Gaal's side would be better served with the captain on the bench.

In an attempt to silence some of those critics, the England international opened the scoring today against West Ham, finding the net for the 176th time in his Premier League career.

The goal signaled an impressive milestone for the 28-year-old.

Rooney surpassed Arsenal legend Thierry Henry for third on the all-time list, and now trails only fellow Red Devil great Andy Cole (187) and Newcastle hero Alan Shearer (260).

Cole is definitely within reach. Shearer, not so much.