Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has said he would rather see Arsenal win the Premier League this season than Manchester City or Liverpool, admitting his long-standing loyalty to United shapes his preference.
Rooney, who spent 13 years at Manchester United, made it clear Liverpool would be his least preferred champions, followed by City, despite acknowledging City’s dominance under Pep Guardiola.
“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,” Rooney said, as reported by BBC Sport.
He noted that the title race could hinge on emotionally charged fixtures, particularly potential meetings between Arsenal and City in the Champions League, as well as their league clash at the Etihad.
Guardiola, who has led City to six league titles since arriving in 2016, faces uncertainty over his future at the club. Rooney, however, hopes the Spaniard remains in English football.
“I hope he stays because he is brilliant for the Premier League. He has set a benchmark over the past 10 years,” he said.
Should Guardiola depart, Rooney believes City should turn to former captain Vincent Kompany, currently in charge of Bayern Munich, citing his understanding of the club and managerial development.
“If Pep does go, they have to go and get Vincent Kompany. He knows the club,” Rooney added.
Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has also been linked with the role, having previously worked under Guardiola at City.
