FC Internazionale Milano v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 - Source: Getty
FC Internazionale Milano v Arsenal FC - UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 - Source: Getty
Wayne Rooney claimed his 2007/08 Manchester United side would ‘batter’ the current title-chasing Arsenal team if both sides were to meet.
A Mikel Arteta-led Arsenal side has established itself as one of the best teams in Europe this season. In addition to holding a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, the north London team remain in contention in all four competitions and looks set to win every available trophy.
The Gunners defeated Inter Milan 3-1 in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday and provisionally extended their lead to six points in the league phase standings. Manchester United legend Rooney and former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott were both on punditry duty for Amazon Prime for the match.
Before kick-off, Walcott asked Rooney how his 2007/08 United side would fare against the current Arsenal side, admitting that the Red Devils side was the best team he ever faced.
For the unversed, the Manchester United side of that campaign won the Premier League and UEFA Champions League. That team was blessed with Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
United players also enjoyed success on an individual level in that very campaign, with three players in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year, while Ronaldo picked up six individual awards, including the Ballon d’Or and the Premier League Golden Boot for his 31 league goals.
“I think they will win one of them” – Manchester United icon Rooney backs Arsenal to win major silverware this season
Despite his bold claim, Rooney backed Arsenal to end their trophy drought and win either the Premier League or Champions League this season. The Gunners have yet to win a major trophy since 2020 and have endured near misses in the league in each of the last three seasons.
When asked if the Gunners will put an end to their lack of trophies this season, Rooney said:
“Well, they're in a good position. I think obviously the Premier League and Champions League are great positions to challenge, but personally I think they will win one of them. They're a powerful team with a very good manager. So this year will be the year to change their fortunes.
He added:
“I think they've been building towards this over the last five years, and I think Mikel Arteta has got a very good squad in front of him. If you go back to the 2002 Arsenal team, then we were a big powerful team. That's what he has built towards. They're a big, solid, strong team with top players in every position. Two players can come in. So, the experience of not winning over the last few years, I think, will help them as well. They've had heartbreak, so this year they might get that right”
Interestingly, the Gunners will host Manchester United in their next outing in the league on Sunday, January 25.