Wayne Rooney gave a clear response to a question from Theo Walcott(Image: Chris Ricco – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has confidently responded to former Arsenal star Theo Walcott’s question, believing that his 2008 United squad would ‘batter’ the current Gunners team. Arsenal currently lead the Premier League table by seven points and also topping the Champions League group, while United are in fifth place in the English top flight and 15 points adrift of the leaders.
Arsenal have been tipped to end their 20-year drought for a league title, and will face United in the Premier League this weekend.
The Gunners are also among the favourites to lift the Champions League trophy, having maintained an unbeaten record in Europe this season.
Arteta’s side are looking to end their wait for silverware this season and remain in contention for a quadruple.
In contrast, Rooney’s 2007/2008 United team clinched the Premier League title, the Community Shield, and the Champions League.
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Cristiano Ronaldo had a phenomenal season, netting 42 goals across all competitions, with 31 of those scored in the Premier League.
Walcott, a former Arsenal forward, conceded that Rooney’s United was the best team he’d ever faced, but he was curious about how they would fare against the current Arsenal side, reports the Mirror.
Speaking on Amazon Prime, Walcott asked: “It’s kind of flipped hasn’t it? Would your ’08 team compete – well you would compete with this team [Arsenal] – but how does it compare to your 2008 team which was probably the best team I have ever played against?
“This squad, compared to that one.”
Rooney gave a blunt response, where the United legend said: “Yeah, we’d batter them.”
The remark left Walcott visibly taken aback, laughing without an immediate comeback. This led to Rooney to added: “I think we would. I have to be honest.”
During that campaign, Rooney featured 39 times across all competitions for United, netting an impressive 18 goals throughout the season.
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