Wayne Rooney played in some of Sir Alex Ferguson’s greatest Manchester United teams, including the one that won the Champions League in 2008.
When he left the club in 2017, he had scored 253 goals – more than anyone else in United’s history.
The forward from Liverpool finished his career with five Premier League titles, an FA Cup, three League Cups and a Champions League medal from 2008.
Sir Alex Ferguson gave a memorable team talk before the 2008 final against Chelsea, and United ended up winning on penalties to claim the title.
These days, United are pushing to get back into the Champions League for the 2026/27 season. Next up for Michael Carrick is a match against Arsenal, who are top of the league.
Could the 2008 Man United team beat the 2026 Arsenal side?
United are set to face Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal this weekend, with the Gunners sitting seven points clear at the top of the Premier League and leading their Champions League group by six points.
Arsenal are pushing on multiple fronts this season, including a strong Champions League campaign as they chase their first European title.
Following Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Inter Milan on Tuesday, Rooney was asked how this current side would stack up against United’s 2008 team.
Rooney spoke on Amazon Prime Video and didn’t hold back: “We’d batter them. I think we would. I have to be honest.”
During the 2007/08 season, Rooney found the net 18 times across all competitions, including four goals in Europe as United went on to lift the Champions League trophy.
Manchester United eyeing a win over league leaders Arsenal
Arsenal are the only team in the top flight to show any sort of consistency, even as this season continues to be a closely-fought one.
United have already got the better of Liverpool and Manchester City this season. In their opener at Old Trafford, Arsenal were fortunate to take all three points from that game.
Arsenal are still without a home defeat in the Premier League, but United will want to change that and put a stop to their run at the top of the table.
Carrick has already picked up a win against Arteta during his first spell as interim manager at United. He’ll be looking for another victory on Sunday, even though this is a much-improved Gunners side.
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