A former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney says he would rather see Arsenal lift the Premier League trophy than rivals Manchester City or Liverpool this season.

Rooney, who spent 13 years at Manchester United, admitted his club loyalties influence his preference, particularly when it comes to Liverpool.

While acknowledging Manchester City’s dominance under Pep Guardiola, he said he would choose Arsenal ahead of both clubs in the title race.

As reported by BBC Sport on Friday, despite his preference, Rooney emphasised the season’s competitiveness and suggested that key upcoming fixtures between the contenders could ultimately decide who wins the league.

“I think a big factor will be if Manchester City and Arsenal meet in the Champions League.

“The emotions around the League Cup final, the Champions League games, if that is the case, and then the game at the Etihad. The emotion around those games and what that will bring, whoever comes out on top in those, I think, will win the league.

“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,” he added.

The Former Manchester United captain also said he hopes Pep Guardiola remains at Manchester City beyond this season, describing the Spaniard as a manager who has set the standard for others in the Premier League.

Guardiola, 55, has been in charge at City since 2016 and has led the club to six Premier League titles, with a seventh still within reach this campaign. However, uncertainty surrounds his future, with a decision on whether he will continue expected towards or after the end of the season.

“Some players will want him to leave, some will want him to stay; it depends whether you are in the team or not, and that is the same for any manager,” he said.

Despite the speculation, Rooney made clear he would like Guardiola to continue in English football.

“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.”

Attention has already turned to potential successors should Guardiola depart.

Former Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has been linked with a return to City, where he previously worked as part of Guardiola’s coaching staff.

However, Rooney believes a club legend would be better suited to take charge, naming current Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany as his preferred choice.

“If Pep does go, they have to go and get Vincent Kompany,” Rooney said. “He knows the club; he has been successful with Bayern in a similar way. It looks like he has learned from Pep.”

Rooney also suggested Guardiola could influence the appointment of his successor, adding that the Spaniard would want to ensure the club remains in a strong position if he decides to step away after a decade of success at the Etihad.