Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney says he would rather see Arsenal lift the Premier League trophy than rivals Manchester City or Liverpool this season.
Rooney, who played for Manchester United for 13 years, acknowledged that his club loyalty affects his preferences, especially with regard to Liverpool.
He claimed he would pick Arsenal over both teams in the race for the championship, even if he acknowledged Manchester City’s supremacy under Pep Guardiola.
Despite his choice, Rooney emphasized the competitive nature of the season and hinted that crucial forthcoming games between the contenders could eventually determine the league winner, according to a story published by BBC Sport on Friday.
“I think a big factor will be if Manchester City and Arsenal meet in the Champions League.
“The emotions around the League Cup final, the Champions League games, if that is the case, and then the game at the Etihad. The emotion around those games and what that will bring—whoever comes out on top in those, I think, will win the league.
“I would prefer Arsenal to win it. I played for Manchester United for 13 years! For me, Liverpool are the ones I wouldn’t want to win it, and then it would be City. I think Arsenal will just win it,” he added.
The former captain of Manchester United also expressed his hope that Pep Guardiola will stay at Manchester City past this season, calling the Spaniard a manager who has set the bar high for other Premier League managers.
Guardiola, 55, has been in charge of City since 2016 and has guided the team to six Premier League titles, with a seventh still in the balance this season.
“Some players will want him to leave, some will want him to stay; it depends on whether you are in the team or not, and that is the same for any manager,” he said.
Despite the claims, Rooney made clear he would like Guardiola to continue in English football.
“I hope he stays because he is brilliant for the Premier League, and you want the best managers in the Premier League. He has set a benchmark over the past 10 years for everyone else.”
Rooney, however, feels that a club legend would be a better fit to lead, and he has named Vincent Kompany, the current manager of Bayern Munich, as his top pick.
Rooney stated, “They must go and get Vincent Kompany if Pep does go.” He has similar success at Bayern and is familiar with the team. He seemed to have taken a cue from Pep.
Rooney said that if Guardiola decides to leave after ten years of success at the Etihad, he would want to make sure the team is in a strong position. Rooney also implied that Guardiola may have an impact on the selection of his successor.
