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BREAKING NEWS: He’s a player that every manager will love to have in his team, I wish he joined Man United—we couldn’t have been suffering like this,” Wayne Rooney reveals the ONE Arsenal player that he loves watching all the time

Wayne Rooney, one of Manchester United’s greatest ever players, has openly confessed his admiration for an Arsenal star who, according to him, “would walk into any team in the world.” The former Red Devils captain admitted that he wishes Manchester United had signed the player long ago, insisting that the club’s ongoing struggles might have been avoided if they had him in their squad.
Speaking after Arsenal’s convincing 2-0 win over West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium, Rooney couldn’t hide his respect for Declan Rice, describing the England midfielder as “a complete footballer who plays with intelligence, composure, and purpose.” Rice, who scored against his former club and controlled the midfield from start to finish, once again proved why he is one of the most influential players in the Premier League right now.
Rooney emphasized that Rice brings the exact qualities Manchester United are missing — leadership, balance, and tactical awareness. “He’s the kind of player every manager dreams of having,” Rooney said. “Strong in duels, excellent passer, reads the game like a veteran, and leads even when he doesn’t wear the armband. I wish we had gone for him when we had the chance. We wouldn’t be suffering like this now.”
Arsenal’s performance against West Ham highlighted just how much Rice has elevated Mikel Arteta’s side this season. His presence in midfield has not only stabilized the team defensively but also allowed creative players like Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka to thrive further up the pitch. Against his former team, Rice scored a thunderous opener before Saka calmly sealed the victory from the penalty spot.
This win saw Arsenal climb back to the top of the Premier League standings, a position that has become increasingly familiar for Arteta’s men. And while Saka’s milestone 200th Premier League appearance and goal deserved praise, it was Rice’s all-round performance that caught the eye of fans and pundits alike. Even opposition supporters had to acknowledge his brilliance.
Rooney continued by saying that Rice reminds him of some of the midfield greats he played alongside during his time at United, such as Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes. “He has that calmness under pressure — that ability to dictate a game with simplicity,” he noted. “You can tell the Arsenal players look up to him. He’s already one of their leaders, even though he only joined recently.”
Statistics from the match backed up Rooney’s admiration. Rice completed over 90% of his passes, recovered possession numerous times, and showed great discipline both with and without the ball. His awareness and positioning made it nearly impossible for West Ham to launch counterattacks, forcing them to spend most of the game chasing shadows.
What makes Rice’s impact even more impressive is how quickly he has adapted to Arsenal’s system. Having come through the ranks at West Ham and captained them to European glory, he has transitioned seamlessly into Arteta’s possession-based setup — a shift that often takes players months, if not seasons, to perfect. His technical sharpness and work rate have made him indispensable to the Gunners.
Beyond his defensive contributions, Rice has also added goals to his game, something that was often missing during his West Ham days. His strike against the Hammers was his 17th for Arsenal, compared to just 15 in 245 appearances for his former club. That improvement reflects how Arteta has unlocked new dimensions in his play, encouraging him to take more responsibility in attack.
Rooney’s praise extended beyond mere admiration — it carried a hint of frustration about Manchester United’s direction in recent seasons. “We’ve spent so much money, but sometimes it’s about signing the right character, not just the right player,” he said. “Rice is someone who lifts the dressing room, leads by example, and gives you confidence every time he’s on the ball. That’s what we’re missing.”
As Arsenal continue their impressive form this season, Rice’s leadership will be crucial in maintaining consistency. He has quickly become a symbol of Arsenal’s transformation — a mix of tactical discipline, technical excellence, and mental resilience. If the Gunners do go on to lift the Premier League title this season, his influence will be impossible to overlook.
For now, even rivals like Wayne Rooney can’t help but admire what Arsenal have built around him. “He’s special,” Rooney concluded. “Watching him play, you can tell he was born to lead. Every manager would love to have him, and honestly, I wish Manchester United had done everything to make him one of ours.”
Declan Rice’s journey from West Ham captain to Arsenal talisman is a testament to his professionalism, ambition, and growth. And as Wayne Rooney rightly put it — he’s not just one of the best midfielders in England right now; he’s one of the most complete footballers in the world.
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