Wayne Rooney says he would rather see Arsenal win the Premier League than Manchester City or Liverpool, while praising Pep Guardiola’s impact

Former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has revealed he would rather see Arsenal win the Premier League than Manchester City or Liverpool this season.

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Speaking to BBC Sport on Friday, Rooney said his loyalties to Manchester United influence his preference, particularly when it comes to Liverpool.

“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,” Rooney said.

The 38-year-old added that the title race could hinge on key fixtures, including potential meetings between Manchester City and Arsenal in the League Cup final, Champions League matches, and the Etihad clash.

Rooney also expressed his hopes that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola remains in charge beyond this season, describing him as a benchmark for Premier League managers.

“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 said.

Speculation continues over Guardiola’s future, with potential successors already being discussed.

While former Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca has been linked to City, Rooney believes a club legend would be ideal, naming Vincent Kompany, currently at Bayern Munich, as his preferred choice.

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“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,” Rooney said, adding that Guardiola could influence the appointment of his successor to ensure City remains strong.