Wayne Rooney names two Premier League managers ‘better’ than Mikel Arteta

Since taking charge in December 2019, the former Arsenal midfielder has lifted only the FA Cup, but becoming the first coach since Arsene Wenger to win the league would dramatically reshape how his tenure is viewed.

Before Arteta’s arrival, Arsenal had struggled to progress, and the Spaniard has received credit for raising standards and reshaping the club’s mentality in north London.

That said, given a reported £1 billion spent on transfers, some believe greater success should have followed, and there have been claims that another trophyless campaign could put Arteta’s position at risk.

Rooney maintains the Arsenal boss is doing a ‘fantastic job’ but still places him behind two other managers in the Premier League hierarchy.

According to Rooney, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola leads the way, with Unai Emery ranked second.

Emery’s time at Arsenal, following the departure of club legend Arsene Wenger, proved underwhelming, but he has since demonstrated his quality at Aston Villa.

Under Emery, Villa reached the Champions League for the first time, and the Midlands side are emerging as unexpected contenders in this season’s Premier League title race.

Guardiola, meanwhile, is widely regarded as one of football’s greatest managers, having captured league titles in England, Spain, and Germany, along with three Champions League triumphs.

Speaking on his BBC podcast about Emery’s credentials, the former Manchester United and England forward said: ‘Unai Emery was the first over to come in after Arsene Wenger and we saw with David Moyes and Sir Alex [Ferguson] how difficult that can be.

‘That’s a huge pressure. That was a difficult one but the Arsenal job isn’t a true reflection of him.

‘In my opinion he’s probably the second-best manager in the Premier League when you look at what he’s doing. You can’t judge Emery on what happened at Arsenal.
‘Mikel Arteta is doing fantastic as well.’

If Aston Villa maintain their current momentum, Emery could be a strong candidate for the Premier League Manager of the Year award.

However, Rooney feels the leading contender at present is Regis Le Bris after Sunderland’s remarkable return to the top flight.

Many expected Sunderland to suffer immediate relegation, but the Black Cats now sit seventh on 26 points and are effectively clear of danger.

Their impressive run continued over the weekend when Le Bris’ team defeated Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear derby.

Reflecting on the Frenchman, Rooney added: ‘I got one of my few wins [as Plymouth Argyle manager] against Le Bris and Sunderland I think,’

‘It’s a different squad and a different group of players at Sunderland now. They’ve changed tactically as well.

‘I think he was an analyst coach at his previous job and he’s gone and got Sunderland promoted which was incredible.

‘If you’re choosing manager of the season right now, he would have to be up there. I would probably choose him over any other manager at the minute.’

Rooney’s own managerial journey has included spells with Derby County and Birmingham City in the Championship, Plymouth Argyle in League One, and MLS side DC United.