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Manchester - Bastian Schweinsteiger acclaimed an "unbelievable" goal by Wayne Rooney after his Manchester United team-mate created a piece of history in Saturday's 2-1 win over Swansea City.
With the score 1-1 in the 77th minute, Rooney met Anthony Martial's left-wing cut-back with an audacious back-heel flick that flew into the top-right corner to earn a United first win in nine games in all competitions.
It was his 238th United goal, taking him past Denis Law into second place in the list of all-time United scorers, and his 188th Premier League goal, putting him in second place behind Alan Shearer (260).
"It was an unbelievable goal from Wayne," Schweinsteiger told reporters at Old Trafford. "Unfortunately, he couldn't score against Chelsea (in a 0-0 draw), but I think he will be very happy today."
The Germany international added in a Twitter post: "Special congrats to @WayneRooney for becoming the second highest scorer in @premierleague history. What a record!"
Rooney, United's captain, now needs 12 goals to surpass club legend Bobby Charlton's record goal tally of 249, set between 1956 and 1973.
Earlier this season he broke Charlton's England goal-scoring record by netting for the 50th time in his country's colours. He has now scored 51 goals in 109 caps.
Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski also paid tribute to the quality of Rooney's finish, which allowed the 30-year-old to end a 553-minute goal drought in all competitions.
"I think you have to give Wayne Rooney massive credit for the second goal," said the Poland international.
"That was something not many players can do. He showed his class. It was a great touch and finish. There wasn't much we could do."
Rooney contented himself by tweeting a photograph of him embracing Martial after his goal, accompanied by the message: "Great start to the year."
