EPL: Rooney Backs Arsenal To Win Title Over Man City, Liverpool
Former Manchester United captain, Wayne Rooney, says 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.
While acknowledging Manchester City’s dominance under Pep Guardiola, he said Arsenal would be his choice among the title contenders.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Rooney noted that key upcoming fixtures could determine the outcome of the title race.
“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 said.
Rooney also expressed hope that Guardiola remains at Manchester City beyond this season, describing the Spaniard as a manager who has set the benchmark in the Premier League.
Guardiola, who has been in charge since 2016, has led City to six league titles, with a seventh still possible this campaign. However, uncertainty surrounds his future, with a decision expected towards the end of the season.
“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 added.
On a potential successor should Guardiola depart, Rooney suggested former City captain and current Bayern Munich manager, Vincent Kompany, would be a suitable replacement.
“If Pep does go, they have to go and get Vincent Kompany. He knows the club; he has been successful with Bayern in a similar way. It looks like he has learned from Pep,” he said.
