Wayne Rooney says Arsenal must be sick of the sight of him ahead ofManchester United clash

The Red Devils striker has enjoyed an impressive scoring record against the Gunners during his career and believes he is a thorn in their side

Good Record: Rooney has scored time and again against Arsenal in his career

Reuter

Wayne Rooney has taunted Arsenal ahead of Sunday's showdown with Manchester United by claiming: "They must be sick of the sight of me."

Rooney has an impressive goalscoring record against the Gunners which the United striker will be looking to continue at Old Trafford this weekend.

The Red Devils striker announced himself on the Premier League stage with a wonder strike against Arsenal for Everton in 2002, when he was just 16.

Two years later, following his £27million move to United, he won a penalty and scored United's second goal as Sir Alex Ferguson's side ended the 49-match unbeaten run of Arsenal's Invincibles.

Rooney also plundered his 100th Premier League goal against Arsenal, with his overall haul of 10 against the Gunners the most the 28-year-old has scored against one club.

"Arsenal do crop up quite often," said Rooney, speaking today at the launch of a three-year partnership between United and leading watch manufacturer Bulova.

"It's a bit weird. I'm sure they must be sick of the sight of me at times. That first goal for Everton does seem like a long time ago.

"It was obviously a special goal for me, plus they were 32 games unbeaten. And I will always remember the 2004 game.

"There had been a lot of hype around it because of what happened the year before with Ruud van Nistelrooy.

"That was as tense as I ever remember it before a game. Arsenal were a fantastic team and it was a great feeling to beat them 2-0 and end that record."

With United unbeaten in their last eight games and Arsenal eight points ahead of them at the top of the table, Rooney said Sunday's fixture could not have come at a better time for David Moyes's side.

"It's the perfect fixture for us," said Rooney. "Arsenal are obviously doing really well but with our current form, it's a chance for us to get a bit closer in the table.

"I said before, it will be interesting to see whether they can maintain that because over the last six or seven years they have faded off.

"Certainly they seem in a better place. They seem stronger. We know we will have to be at our best to beat them but we're capable of that.

"I've always enjoyed my games against them and it's always been a big game. Hopefully we can get the right result on Sunday."