Ben White of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates Jurrien Timber, Gabriel and Bukayo Saka during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Chelsea and Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on January 14, 2026 in London, England.
Arsenal have been impressive throughout this season
OPINION: Manchester United and Arsenal face off on Sunday with the Premier League title race heating up throughout the second half of the season
Arsenal and face off in a blockbuster clash on Sunday afternoon. For United, a win keeps them in touch with the top four of the and in with a chance of European qualification next season.
For , a victory would mean their top spot in the table remains secure as they chase their first league title since 2004. Over the years, both teams have had some incredible players that drove them to new heights both domestically and in Europe.
Think , , , - big game players for big game moments. The rise of the Gunners this season has begged the question - how would they fare against Premier League sides of old?
as Arsenal hero asked him how Mikel Arteta's current side would fare against his 2007/08 United team.
Walcott said: "It’s kind of flipped, would your ’08 team compete – well, you would compete against this team but how does it compare to your 2008 team, which was probably the best team that I’ve ever played against?"
Immediately, Rooney said: "Yeah, we’d batter them! I think we would."
But would they? Here is a combined starting XI of the 07/08 United team vs the current Arsenal squad and who I believe would be chosen highest in the pecking order.
Edwin van der Sar of Manchester United celebrates as Wayne Rooney scores their first goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter final first leg match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 6, 2011 in London, England.1 of 11
Goalkeeper - Edwin van der Sar
Edwin van der Sar of Manchester United celebrates as Wayne Rooney scores their first goal during the UEFA Champions League quarter final first leg match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 6, 2011 in London, England.
Jurrien Timber of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal with a header as Andre Onana of Manchester United fails to make a save during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United FC at Emirates Stadium on December 04, 2024 in London, England.2 of 11
Right-back - Jurrien Timber
Jurrien Timber of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal with a header as Andre Onana of Manchester United fails to make a save during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United FC at Emirates Stadium on December 04, 2024 in London, England.
Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Emirates Stadium on April 08, 2025 in London, England.6 of 11
Midfield - Declan Rice
Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final First Leg match between Arsenal FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Emirates Stadium on April 08, 2025 in London, England.
Paul Scholes of Manchester United celebrates scoring the first goal on his 500th club appearance, during the Barclays Premiership match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on October 22 2006 in Manchester, England.7 of 11
Midfield - Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes of Manchester United celebrates scoring the first goal on his 500th club appearance, during the Barclays Premiership match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on October 22 2006 in Manchester, England.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at the Luzhniki Stadium on May 21, 2008 in Moscow, Russia.9 of 11
Left wing - Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Champions League Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at the Luzhniki Stadium on May 21, 2008 in Moscow, Russia.
Manchester United's French player Patrice Evra (L) and goal scorer Wayne Rooney (R) celebrate after Rooney scored the third goal of the match during their Premiership match against Aston Villa at home to Manchester United at Old Trafford football stadium on March, 29 2008.10 of 11
Striker - Wayne Rooney
Manchester United's French player Patrice Evra (L) and goal scorer Wayne Rooney (R) celebrate after Rooney scored the third goal of the match during their Premiership match against Aston Villa at home to Manchester United at Old Trafford football stadium on March, 29 2008.