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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Alex James

Wayne Rooney can prove point as Manchester United legend explains his Arsenal plan

Wayne Rooney has enjoyed plenty of battles with Arsenal down the years.

The Manchester United legend scored 15 times against the Gunners in 35 games for the Reds. It's an enviable record which helped United to countless trophies during his time at the club.

And Rooney will be hoping to get one over Arsenal again this summer when he manages the Major League Soccer All Stars against Mikel Arteta's men. As the boss of host club DC United, Rooney is entrusted with picking the league's best to take on Arsenal in the game later this month.

The 28-year-old has spoken of his desire to one day manage a leading club in Europe and he will get the chance to showcase his skills against a team who finished second in the Premier League last season. The Gunners could field a number of new signings for the contest, having already brought in Kai Havertz and with Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber seemingly imminent.

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ALSO READ: United legend Rooney sets out European management aim

But Rooney will hope a former Premier League striker can help the hosts to victory. The ex-England striker has named Christian Benteke, who plays for DC United, as part of his selection and feels his ability up front can be crucial against an Arsenal side he holds in high regard.

"He (Benteke) has been really effective for us and gives us a different dimension in terms of how we want to play," Rooney told the MLS You Tube channel. "If we want to we can be a bit more direct and he can hold the ball up really well and it allows players to come and join in with him. He has scored some important goals for us (DC United) and has been really good for us this season on and off the field and is a good character so deserves to be in it.

"We have more than enough players who can provide the service to him, whether that is from deep or out wide. We have players who are good at crossing the ball but the squad we have all look to play forward and put balls in the box.

"We can go from a 4-5-1 to 4-3-3 quite easily but what we are going to have to do is get players behind the ball and defend as a group because if we don't against a good team like Arsenal will hurt us. But going forward we want to express ourselves, don't be afraid to take shots on, put crosses in the box, don't be afraid to miss. If you do that and express yourself you do have more fun and perform better.

"I have watched Arsenal a lot and they play out from the back and try and control games and play in the opposition half. They pick up second balls and sustain attacks. I think it is a great team to bring in for the All Star game."

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