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Battle of the Giants: Wayne Rooney's Witty Banter on Arsenal vs Vintage Man Utd Team

Wayne Rooney delivered a hilarious response when asked about how Arsenal would fare against the legendary 2008 Manchester United team. Let's delve deeper into the banter between Rooney and his perspectives on the two powerhouse teams.

Battle of the Giants: Wayne Rooney's Witty Banter on Arsenal vs Vintage Man Utd Team

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney delivered a hilarious response when asked how the current Arsenal team would fare against one of the best sides assembled under Sir Alex Ferguson. The Red Devils outfit that won the Premier League and Champions League double in 2008 will go down in history as an all-time great side. And Rooney believes that the team he played in are streets ahead of Mikel Arteta's current one.In the 2007-08 season, United edged Chelsea in the Premier League and then beat the Blues again, this time in the Champions League final in Moscow. That team was blessed with the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was the world's best player at the time. After winning Europe's top competition for a third time, the Portuguese spoke about just how good his team was. He said: "I thought we were going to lose. I had played well and scored a fantastic goal, but I had missed my penalty and it felt like the worst day of my life. That can happen in a shoot-out - they are a lottery. But my team-mates did a proper job and took great penalties and that's the important thing. I feel very proud for them. It means everything to me - now it is the happiest day of my life. We showed this season we are the best team in Europe and in England and it's a great feeling. Next season we will try to do the same. The team is still young and we have improved a lot. I think we have a good chance again next season. To win a trophy like the European Cup gives you great motivation. The lads will look forward to that, it's a great challenge and we want more."While this campaign has only just gone past the halfway point, Arsenal are seven points clear at the top of the Premier League and have won all seven of their Champions League matches so far, the last of which was an impressive 3-1 win at Inter on Tuesday. Arteta's side, who are also in with a shot of winning the Carabao Cup and FA Cup this season, are flying high at present, something the Spaniard is delighted with. He told Amazon Prime after the Inter victory: "I'm very proud of the team. We said before the game, we needed a special performance and we've certainly done that today. We went to another level and to do it at the San Siro against one of the best teams in Europe is something else. It was about trying to be better than them. They manage and control the games in a very good way, and we knew we would have to do that on the pitch and with subs."The former Gunners player also lauded the impact of strikers Gabriel Jesus and substitute Viktor Gyokeres, who both scored at San Siro. He said: "There's an unbelievable player, and the bigger the game, the more comfortable he plays. He [Jesus] deserves the man of the match award."Great impact. The game was taking a shape that fit him [Gyokeres] very much. He had two chances and put one away. For him, it's the second away game he's done very well, and he's finding some consistency."Before Arsenal put Inter to the sword, ex-Gunner Theo Walcott asked Rooney how this north London team would stack up against his 2008 United team. In response, the 40-year-old simply said: "Yeah, we'd batter them." After laughing at his remark, he added: "I think we would."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingArsenal, who sit seven points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa in the league, will hope to extend their lead at the top when they host United at Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon. If results go their way this weekend, Arteta's side could be out of sight as they bid to win their first league title since 2004.

1

The Legendary 2007-08 Manchester United Team

In the 2007-08 season, Manchester United clinched the Premier League and Champions League double under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson. This remarkable team, led by the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, will forever be etched in footballing history as one of the greatest sides of all time. The team's exceptional achievements, including defeating Chelsea in both the Premier League and Champions League final, solidified their legacy in the sport.

2

Rooney's Confidence in His Team's Superiority

When former Arsenal player Theo Walcott questioned Wayne Rooney about how Arsenal would measure up against his vintage 2008 Manchester United squad, Rooney didn't hold back. In his characteristically witty style, Rooney humorously remarked that his United team would 'batter them,' showcasing his unwavering confidence in the superiority of the team he played in.

3

Arteta's Current Arsenal and Their Impressive Run

Fast forward to the present, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal is experiencing a resurgence, currently sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League table and impressing in the Champions League. Arteta's strategic prowess and the team's stellar performances have elevated Arsenal's standing in the footballing world, drawing admiration and praise from fans and pundits alike.

4

Capturing the Essence of Banter

Rooney's lighthearted banter and playful comparison between the two esteemed teams highlight the timeless debate of different eras in football. While the 2008 Manchester United team boasts a legacy of success, Arteta's Arsenal is carving out its own path towards glory. The banter between Rooney and Walcott adds a touch of humor to the conversation, showcasing the camaraderie and competitive spirit that define the beautiful game.

5

The Anticipated Showdown

As Arsenal looks to extend their lead in the league, all eyes are on their upcoming clash against Manchester United. The banter and contrasting eras of football come to a head as Arteta's current squad prepares to face off against the legendary 2008 United team. This clash of titans promises an exciting and spirited battle on the pitch, fueling the ongoing debate of past versus present in football history.

Published on Jan 20, 2026