Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has explained how he fully understands the significance of the MLS All-Stars game as he prepares for next month's clash with Arsenal.
On Wednesday, July 19, Mikel Arteta's men will be travelling to Washington to face a team made up of the best players in America's top league. As the host city for the match, Rooney has been given the privilege of coaching the MLS side which will take on the Gunners.
The former United striker is no stranger to the All-Stars game but has enjoyed mixed success. In 2011, he played 61 minutes as the Reds ran out 4-0 victors at New Jersey's Red Bull Arena.
Eight years later, Rooney appeared alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Nani as the MLS All-Stars lost 3-0 to Atletico Madrid. Despite his history in the fixture, the 37-year-old admitted he saw it as merely a pre-season friendly when he took part in it.
ALSO READ: Rooney's Messi warning as he aims jibe at Beckham
He told a press conference last week: "When I played for Manchester United, we had just had pre-season so it was a pre-season friendly for us, that's what I felt it was but then playing in the All-Star team made me realise how much bigger of a game it is and what it means to be selected as one of the best players in the league. That made me realise just how big it is over here so I won't be taking it lightly, I will be making sure I do everything right on the night and giving ourselves the best chance to win.
"I have played in the game a couple of times so now to coach it is good, good to take on Arsenal, good to take on Arteta and, as I said, try to win the game and be as competitive as we can be, so yeah, I am looking forward to it."
A Manchester Evening News special souvenir edition - Fergie's First - charts United's 1992/93 title-winning campaign and you can get your hands on one here
