Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney makes controversial Premier League title prediction.. and has his say on top-four race

MANCHESTER UNITED legend Wayne Rooney has insisted that Arsenal are the favourites to win the Premier League this season.

The Gunners restored their eight-point lead over Manchester City on Saturday following a 4-1 win over Leeds.

ReutersArsenal are leading the title race[/caption]

AFPMan City are eight points behind the Gunners[/caption]

ReutersRooney believes Arsenal will win the Premier League[/caption]

City thrashed Liverpool 4-1 just a few hours prior to the three o’clock kick-off to close the gap back down to five points.

But, Mikel Arteta‘s side refused to succumb to the pressure as they extended their impressive winning streak to seven Prem games.

Arsenal have played one more league game than Man City so far this season and the two sides are set to meet once again later this month.

With the title race far from settled, United icon Rooney has had his say on who he thinks will lift the trophy.

In his column for The Times, Rooney wrote: “The title race? Nothing would surprise me from Manchester City.

“They could put together an incredible run and still win it but you have to say Arsenal are favourites.

“Everyone has been waiting for them to drop off but they’ve been top of the league for so many weeks and dealing with the pressure all season. I don’t see a collapse from them.”

The United icon also had his say on the incredibly tight race for Champions League qualification.

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ReutersRooney predicts Ten hag will lead Man Utd to third[/caption]

He believes that his former club will finish third behind Arsenal and City, with Liverpool taking the final spot in the top four.

He added: “The top four? A few weeks ago, there looked a possibility Manchester United could challenge for the Premier League title.

“Erik ten Hag’s team fell short, but they could still end up with three trophies, and I’m sure will finish in the top four, then kick on after he buys a few players to strengthen in the summer.

“So Manchester United will be there but I have a suspicion that Liverpool might sneak into it, thanks to the quality of their squad and their experience.

“They’re capable of going on a run. I see Newcastle, despite the great job Eddie has done, falling just a little short.”