Wayne Rooney believes Arsenal are favourites to retain the Premier League title and has even suggested Mikel Arteta's side have the potential to “run away” with the competition this season.
Arsenal enter the new campaign as defending champions after ending their 22-year wait for the title last season.
Their summer additions include Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis, while Sunday's emphatic 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City has further increased expectations.
Rooney believes uncertainty surrounding Arsenal's biggest rivals could allow the Gunners to establish an early advantage.
Rooney makes bold Arsenal prediction
Manchester City are beginning life under Enzo Maresca following Pep Guardiola's departure, while Andoni Iraola has replaced Arne Slot at Liverpool.
Chelsea are also starting a new chapter under Xabi Alonso, while Roberto De Zerbi is preparing for his first full season at Tottenham.
Rooney believes those changes make Arsenal the most settled of the leading contenders.
“Arsenal have the potential to run away with it but behind them we could see a lot of changes,” Rooney said on Stick to United.
“I think Arsenal are the favourites to win it.”
The former England captain also expects the defending champions to improve following their summer recruitment.
Arsenal are still looking to strengthen further, with a new centre-back and striker among the positions being considered.
Rooney predicts fourth for Manchester United
Rooney is optimistic about Manchester United's progress under Michael Carrick but does not believe his former club are ready to challenge Arsenal for the title.
United returned to the Champions League under Carrick last season, and Rooney believes remaining among the Premier League's leading clubs must now be the immediate priority.
“I would take top four,” he said. “I think maybe fourth. I still think they need to get two or three more players in.”
Rooney believes expecting United to win the league this season would be unrealistic.
Instead, he wants them to remain competitive with Arsenal and potentially challenge Manchester City for second place before attempting a genuine title push next season.
Key Points
- Wayne Rooney believes Arsenal are favourites to win the Premier League.
- He thinks the Gunners could potentially “run away” with the title.
- Arsenal beat Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield.
- Rooney expects Manchester United to finish fourth.
- He believes United still require two or three additional signings.
- Rooney does not expect Michael Carrick's side to challenge for the title yet.
- Changes at Manchester City and Liverpool could create uncertainty among Arsenal's main rivals.
- Chelsea and Tottenham are expected to improve this season.
What's Next?
Arsenal begin their title defence against newly-promoted Coventry City on Friday night, giving Arteta's side the first opportunity to justify their status as Rooney's favourites.
Manchester United start against Hull City on Saturday. For Carrick's team, Rooney believes the objective should be securing another top-four finish, staying close to Arsenal and building towards a potential title challenge next season.
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