Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger failed to mention Manchester United's England ace Wayne Rooney when discussing the players he hoped to follow at the World Cup.

The Sunday Times says Rooney's name was conspicuously absent when Wenger, speaking in Soweto, was asked about the players he was most looking forward to watching.

"Well, I believe it's acknowledged that the two best players are Messi and Ronaldo," said Wenger. "It will also be interesting to follow two Arsenal players, Robin Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas.

"They can make a big impression."