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

Rooney, who spent 13 years at Manchester United, admitted his loyalties influence his preference, especially when it comes to Liverpool. While recognizing Manchester City’s dominance under Pep Guardiola, he still favors Arsenal in the title race.

“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 told BBC Sport.

He highlighted that upcoming matches, including possible Champions League encounters and the League Cup final, could be decisive in deciding the champion. “The emotion around those games, and whoever comes out on top, I think will win the league,” he added.

Rooney also praised Guardiola’s impact at City, describing him as a manager who has set a benchmark in the Premier League. Despite speculation over Guardiola’s future, Rooney hopes the Spaniard remains in English football.

“If Pep does leave, they have to go and get Vincent Kompany. He knows the club, has been successful with Bayern Munich, and has learned from Pep,” Rooney said, naming Bayern Munich’s current manager as the ideal successor.

With Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool all in strong form, Rooney’s insights underscore the competitiveness of the 2026 Premier League season. His prediction highlights Arsenal’s potential to end City and Liverpool’s recent dominance while stressing the influence of key fixtures and managerial decisions on the title race.