The 31-year-old swept in a brilliant free-kick with seconds remaining at the bet365 Stadium to move onto 250 goals in 546 appearances - one more than former record-holder Bobby Charlton to rescue a point for a frustrated Manchester United side.
He has struggled to secure a starting place in Mourinho’s preferred starting XI since his arrival at Old Trafford in the summer, but the former Chelsea boss is in no doubt Rooney’s overall contribution to United’s cause means he should be held in the same esteem as the likes of George Best and Charlton.
And Mourinho praised his captain for claiming a place in the history of both the club and the global game.
"The record is the record," he told Sky Sports after the 1-1 draw. "It is the record of the biggest club in England and one of the biggest in the world.
"Before him the record belonged to a legend of English football. Now Wayne becomes a legend of Manchester United."
Stoke boss Mark Hughes, twice a Premier League-winner in a distinguished United playing career, believes Rooney can now set a record that will never be broken.
"It is an outstanding record and won't be surpassed," he told BBC Sport. "It has taken 40-odd years for Sir Bobby's record to be broken which shows how high a mark it was."
As well as becoming Manchester United's record goalscorer, Wayne Rooney is now the highest away goalscorer in Premier League's history with 88, a record initially held by Alan Shearer with 87.
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