Back when the rags bought Rooney, there wasn't much in the way of competition. He was hailed as the biggest English talent in years, but the only challengers to get his signature were Newcastle (who couldn't even stump up a high enough fee).
Chelski had just been bought by Roman, so had the money, but were focused on buying more established talents for more immediate success at the time.
The gooners were better than the rags, but didn't (and still don't) have any desire to spend £25 -30 million on one player.
My question is, who would a young, extremely highly-rated, £30 -40 million youngster (much more highly rated than Will Hughes) join today?
These days United aren't the richest in the league, and we have an exciting project going on.. So realistically it's between us, Chelski and the rags.
But, in your opinion, which of the three would he choose?