Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney explains significance of managing MLS All-Stars game vs Arsenal

Manchester United legend and current DC United manager Wayne Rooney is excited to test himself against Mikel Arteta's Arsenal when they visit USA for the MLS All-Stars game.

The Gunners will travel to Washington DC on Wednesday, July 19 to take on a team packed with America's best talent as part of their pre-season preparations. As DC United's Audi Field will be hosting the match, Rooney has been chosen to manage the All-Stars team meaning he will have also played for, against and coached the MLS XI.

Looking ahead to the game, which could see the American team come up against the Premier League champions, Rooney said that he was ready to pit his wits against the North London club. He told CNN: "I’ve played in the All-Star game on both sides, for Manchester United a few years back and then played for the All-Stars against Atletico Madrid.

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"And obviously with it being Arsenal, it makes me a bit more excited because it’s a challenge. It will be a tough game, but a game which we’ll set up to try and go and win."

Rooney is by no means the only person excited for the visit of Arsenal in the summer. US fans are relishing the prospect of seeing the Gunners take on the MLS combined team.

Tickets for the match were put on sale on Tuesday and within five hours they were all sold out. Speaking about the match when it was first announced, Rooney said: "I've had a front row seat to watch the growth and development of Major League Soccer, first as a player and now as a manager.

"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.