Arsenal set to renew battle with Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney as All-Star clash confirmed

Arsenal will once again do battle with Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney after their participation in this year's MLS All-Star Game was confirmed.

The fixture traditionally takes place between a team of the top players from MLS and an invited club from Europe or the rest of the world.

The players involved are selected via a fan vote, coach nominations and MLS commissioner nominations, with a squad of 23 players usually chosen to compete.

Several English clubs have been invited to play in the fixture in the past, with Fulham, Tottenham, West Ham and Everton all playing in it on one occasion. Manchester United and Chelsea, meanwhile, have competed in the All-Star Game twice.

Other clubs to have played in the fixture include Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Roma, Atletico Madrid and Celtic.

Arsenal will be taking part in the game for the second time, having beaten the MLS All-Stars 2-1 in 2016. The fixture will take place on July 19 at Audi Field, Washington D.C.

For this year, the All-Star side will be managed by United icon Rooney, who is currently in charge of MLS side D.C. United. He marked the fixture - and Arsenal's participation - alongside ex-Gunners and current D.C. United defender Kieran Gibbs at Audi Field.

What have Arsenal said about MLS All-Star Game?

Upon confirmation of Arsenal's participation in the fixture on their official club website, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta stated: "It's great that we're playing against the MLS All-Stars in Washington D.C. in July.

"Our US tour last summer was very good preparation for the season, and we're looking forward to once again visiting our amazing supporters in the US.

"The match against the MLS All-Stars will be a good test ahead of the 2023/24 season."

Rooney, meanwhile, said (quotes via Daily Mail): "The opportunity to lead the best our league has to offer against a top Premier League club like Arsenal will be a highlight for me personally and an unforgettable experience for our passionate fanbase here in DC.

"It's a huge step forward for the league to provide that access to the All-Star Team and Arsenal.

"It's a big moment for the All-Star Game as well as it'll be the first time it's shown all around the world, and I'm sure there will be people with interest in the game tuning in."

Topics: Arsenal, Manchester United, MLS, Premier League, Wayne Rooney, Mikel Arteta

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.