Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has revealed he would prefer Arsenal to win the Premier League title ahead of rivals Manchester City and Liverpool this season.
Rooney, who spent 13 years at Manchester United, admitted his loyalties influence his stance, particularly regarding Liverpool FC. While acknowledging City’s dominance in recent years, he said Arsenal would be his choice in the ongoing title race.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Rooney noted that key upcoming fixtures could ultimately determine who lifts the trophy. He pointed to the possibility of Arsenal and Manchester City meeting in the Champions League, as well as crucial domestic clashes, as decisive moments in the campaign.
“I would prefer Arsenal to win it. I played for Manchester United for 13 years,” Rooney said. “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.”
The former England striker also addressed the future of City manager Pep Guardiola, expressing hope that the Spaniard remains in charge beyond this season. Guardiola, who has led City since 2016, has guided the club to six Premier League titles and could yet secure another.
Despite speculation surrounding Guardiola’s future, Rooney described him as a benchmark for other managers in the league and said he hopes he stays in English football. However, should Guardiola depart, Rooney suggested Vincent Kompany, currently in charge of Bayern Munich, would be an ideal successor given his ties to the club and managerial progress.