Rooney Backs Liverpool's Ekitike Over United and Arsenal's Summer Strikers

Wayne Rooney has questioned whether Manchester United and Arsenal got their striker recruitment right this summer, suggesting both clubs should have pursued Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike instead of their chosen targets.

The United legend believes the Big Six's summer spending spree on centre-forwards saw both the Reds and Gunners miss out on a genuine talent. While Arsenal plumped for Viktor Gyokeres and United settled on Benjamin Sesko ahead of Newcastle, Ekitike arrived at Anfield from Eintracht Frankfurt for approximately £79m—and has vindicated that investment handsomely.

With 15 goals and four assists across 32 appearances this season, Ekitike has emerged as one of the Premier League's standout performers, consistently outshining his rivals in the number nine conversation.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former Red Devil acknowledged Gyokeres' pedigree at Sporting Portugal but maintained the Gunners' signing still offers value despite his modest return. "He's occupying defenders and that's helping the team," Rooney explained, though he conceded the goal tally hasn't matched expectations.

Yet when pressed on whether he'd swap Gyokeres for Ekitike, Rooney was unequivocal. "No," he replied, before handing out significant praise for Liverpool's acquisition. Alongside Granit Xhaka at Sunderland, Ekitike ranks among the Premier League's finest arrivals, according to the pundit.

Rooney was particularly taken with Ekitike's technical qualities and footballing intelligence. "He's not a number nine, he's not a number 10. He drifts out wide, he gets on the ball, brings players into the game and he can score goals," the analyst noted, referencing one goal against Newcastle that drew comparisons to Romario's instinctive finishing.

The contrast with Sesko proved stark in Rooney's assessment. Where Ekitike carries a swagger and self-assurance that allows him to operate independently, United's striker appeared to require more guidance on the pitch. "Hugo Ekitike looks like you can just put him on the pitch," Rooney observed. "He's got that arrogance and confidence which I think you need to be at that top-level."