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Arsenal F.C.–Manchester United F.C. rivalry

March 08, 2023

Although Arsenal and Manchester United have frequently been in the same division in English football since 1919, the rivalry between the two clubs only became a fierce one in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when the teams regularly competed against each other for the Premier League title and FA Cup. There was also an enmity between the managers, Arsenal's Arsène Wenger (1996–2018) and United's Sir Alex Ferguson (1986–2013), and club captains Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane,[1][2][3] and their contests often involved on-field trouble – seven red cards were shown in matches from February 1997 to February 2005.[4] The league fixture in September 2003, known as the "Battle of Old Trafford", was marred by a mêlée instigated by Arsenal players, who felt striker Ruud van Nistelrooy had cheated to get Vieira sent off. A season later, Manchester United ended Arsenal's unbeaten run in controversial circumstances, which led to more disorder, this time in the tunnel.

Arsenal F.C. v Manchester United F.C.
United and Arsenal players prepare for a corner kick during a Premier League match on 19 November 2016.
Teams
First meeting
Latest meeting22 January 2023
Premier League
Arsenal 3–2 Manchester United
Stadiums
Statistics
Meetings total239
Most winsManchester United (99)
Most player appearancesRyan Giggs (50)
Top scorerWayne Rooney (12)
All-time series
  • Arsenal: 87
  • Drawn: 53
  • Manchester United: 99
Largest victory
  • Manchester United 8–2 Arsenal
  • (28 August 2011)

By 2008 former Arsenal player Lee Dixon noted that the rivalry had diminished.[5] Ferguson also stated that the two teams' meetings had cooled from their previous "heated" exchanges.[6] Other factors for the diminishing importance of the rivalry in the 2010s were the ascendancy of other clubs, including local rivals of both (Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City).[7]

Arsenal and Manchester United first played a competitive match in October 1894; as of 22 January 2023, the two clubs have faced each other 238 times in total. United have won 98 to Arsenal's 87, and 53 matches have ended in a draw. Wayne Rooney has scored the most goals in the fixture with 12, while Ryan Giggs has made the highest number of appearances with 50. Several players have featured for both clubs at different stages of their career, including Brian Kidd, Andy Cole, David Platt, Robin van Persie, Danny Welbeck, Alexis Sánchez and former manager George Graham.[8]

History

Origins

A particularly memorable match between the two sides came on 1 February 1958, when they met in a league fixture at Highbury.[9] It was the last league game that United played before the Munich air disaster five days later, which claimed the lives of eight of their players and saw two other players injured to such an extent that they never played again.[9] United won the game 5–4, with goals from Tommy Taylor (twice), Duncan Edwards, Bobby Charlton and Dennis Viollet.[9] Five of the United players who would lose their lives as a result of the crash took to the field in the game – captain and full-back Roger Byrne, right-half Eddie Colman, centre-half Mark Jones, left-half Edwards and centre-forward Taylor.[9]

Another high-profile clash came more than 20 years later, in the final of the FA Cup on 12 May 1979.[10] A capacity crowd saw Arsenal take a 2–0 lead in the first half thanks to goals from Brian Talbot and Frank Stapleton, and with just five minutes left on the clock their lead was still intact.[10] Then, in the 86th minute, Gordon McQueen pulled a goal back for United, and two minutes later they equalised with a goal from Sammy McIlroy.[10] However, barely a minute after United equalised, Arsenal's Alan Sunderland scored an 89th-minute goal to win the cup 3–2 for Arsenal.[11]

Although Arsenal and Manchester United had previously contested many significant matches, Sir Alex Ferguson believed the rivalry started in January 1987 when David Rocastle was sent off for retaliating against a foul on Norman Whiteside.[12] In October 1990, a brawl between both sides at Old Trafford resulted in both clubs being docked points in the 1990–91 First Division.[6][13] The scuffle started when Arsenal's Anders Limpar, who scored the only goal of the game, contested for the ball with Manchester United defender Denis Irwin.[14] Limpar's teammate Nigel Winterburn tackled Irwin, which prompted Brian McClair and Irwin to retaliate.[14] Winterburn was pushed onto the advertising hoardings and all the players bar goalkeeper David Seaman partook in a 20-second mêlée.[15] As well as a points deduction, both clubs fined several of their players, and in Arsenal's case, their manager too.[16][17] Arsenal and United next faced each other at Highbury a little over a month later in the Football League Cup fourth round.[18] 19-year-old winger Lee Sharpe scored a hat-trick as United won the tie 6–2.[18]

1996–2003

He has no experience of English football. He has come from Japan and now he is telling us how to organise our football. Unless you have been in the situation and had the experience, then he should keep his mouth shut – firmly shut.

— Alex Ferguson, speaking about Arsène Wenger in 1997.[19]

The rivalry intensified following the arrival of Arsène Wenger in October 1996.[20] The first meeting between Ferguson's United and Wenger's Arsenal took place at United's Old Trafford stadium on 16 November 1996. Arsenal went into the game unbeaten in 10 matches, but an own goal by Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn gave United a 1–0 victory. An incident in the first half involving United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel and Arsenal striker Ian Wright evoked memories of the 1990 brawl.[21] The return fixture at Highbury, a 2–1 win for United, was again marred by an incident between Wright and Schmeichel; the striker challenged for the ball with both feet and caught the goalkeeper with his studs.[22] A confrontation ensued and police stepped in to keep the players apart after the final whistle.[23] It soon transpired the two incidents were linked, as Wright had accused Schmeichel of racially abusing him and the allegations were being criminally investigated. [24][25] Speaking to Sky Sports, Ferguson firmly denied the allegations aimed at Schmeichel, and said the claims were a "slur" against the club.[26] Wenger claimed Ferguson was speaking too much and should let the justices do their job,[26] but was defensive of the tackle which Wright had made, saying there had been 30 worse tackles in the season.[27] Wright's behaviour was scrutinised at a hearing, where he complained he was subject to racial abuse by Schmeichel, at which point the FA intervened and met with representatives of both clubs.[22] In March, it was announced that Schmeichel would not face any charges for the allegations, and the pair were asked to make a public reconciliation, with Wright agreeable to the idea,[28] but it wasn't until April that they agreed to settle their differences.[29] The managers' animosity towards each other started to become apparent.[30]

 
Gary Neville described Arsenal's 1998 side as "experienced and strong, both mentally and physically."[31]

Wenger had advised against the Premier League extending the season to ease Manchester United's fixture congestion, to which Ferguson publicly retorted: "Maybe he should concentrate on Ian Wright's tackles rather than Manchester United. He's at a big club, well Arsenal used to be a big club, and maybe next year he could be in the same situation. I wonder what [h]is story will be then."[32]

United had won four of the first five editions of the newly branded league, and were on course to continue their domination after opening up a sizeable lead in February 1998.[33] Injuries and poor results however destabilised the team, and by the time Arsenal visited Old Trafford in March, a title race was looking probable.[34] Wenger was bullish of his team's chances: "I told you last week that the race was not over when the bookmakers stopped betting. Surprise, surprise, they have started taking money again."[35] A goal from Marc Overmars set Arsenal on the way to victory, which put them six points behind with three games in hand.[36] They eventually won the league, and secured the double by beating Newcastle United in the Cup final.[37]

"It was a trauma for us. I can still hear the shouts of their team having won, they couldn’t believe it because they were down to 10 men. And I think that put them on a wave of euphoria and then they won the title – just."

—Arsène Wenger reflecting on the FA Cup semi-final replay[38]

Arsenal began the 1998–99 season with a 3–0 win over United in the Charity Shield; Ferguson was unconcerned by the result, but losing to the champions a month later by the same scoreline was, in his words, "a lot less tolerable."[39] Both clubs again vied for domestic honours; United this time pipped Arsenal by a point to regain the title.[40] They also met in the FA Cup semi-final, which was replayed after the original game ended goalless.[41] David Beckham and Dennis Bergkamp scored for their respective clubs either side of half time, Roy Keane was dismissed, and the holders late on were awarded a penalty.[41] Schmeichel saved Bergkamp's attempt and the tie went into extra time. Ryan Giggs memorably scored the winner, picking up possession on the halfway line and dribbling past the entire Arsenal back line before shooting past David Seaman.[41] "A match that had everything finished with a pitch invasion, sporadic fighting and David Beckham carried shoulder-high from the field" wrote Matt Dickinson in The Times.[42] United went on to complete the treble, winning the UEFA Champions League.[40]

The rivalry continued into the new millennium, though Manchester United's domestic grip tightened. They finished 18 points clear of Arsenal in 1999–2000 and completed a hat-trick of titles the following season.[43] Any indication United could be caught faded once Ferguson's team resoundingly beat Arsenal 6–1 in February 2001.[44] Dwight Yorke scored a hat-trick, on a day Wenger fielded a relatively inexperienced centre-back pairing of Gilles Grimandi and Igors Stepanovs.[44] At the end of the campaign, Ferguson announced his decision to retire.[45] He reportedly sanctioned a bid to sign midfielder Patrick Vieira, who was upset at Arsenal's transfer inactivity. The transfer never came through; Wenger blamed his rivals for "...approach[ing] to Patrick without contacting us, and that does not really respect the rules."[46] United made an indifferent start to the league campaign, and by February 2002, Ferguson went back on his retirement plan on the advice of his family.[47][48] Arsenal hit their stride as the 2001–02 season came to a close, winning the double for the second time in four years.[49] The championship was decided at Old Trafford in the penultimate game of the season; Wenger described his team's 1–0 win as a "shift of power."[50]

"It's getting tickly now – squeaky-bum time, I call it."

—Sir Alex Ferguson on the title race, 2003[51]

United again won the title back in 2002–03, when it looked as though Arsenal would retain it. A late-season encounter between the teams ended in controversial circumstances after the match officials allowed Thierry Henry's second goal to stand despite the player being offside and Sol Campbell was sent off for an elbow on Ole Gunnar Solskjær in a 2–2 draw.[52] Arsenal had beaten United on the way to FA Cup success and both teams contested the 2003 FA Community Shield at the start of the 2003–04 season. In a hotly-contested match, Phil Neville was booked in the first minute for a challenge on Vieira and a minute later, Ashley Cole received a booking for fouling Solskjær.[53] Yellow cards were also given to Quinton Fortune and Paul Scholes for United and Vieira for Arsenal.[53] Substitute Francis Jeffers was shown a straight red for a kick on Phil Neville and, despite originally going unpunished, Campbell was later given a three-match ban by the FA for kicking out at Eric Djemba-Djemba.[54] The game finished 1–1 after 90 minutes and United eventually won the Shield 4–3 on penalties.[53]

2003–04: Brawl and Cup semi-final meeting

See also: Battle of Old Trafford
 
Old Trafford was the setting for another brawl between the two sides.

The rivalry escalated in September 2003, when Arsenal travelled to Old Trafford. In the match Vieira was shown a second yellow card for his part in an altercation with striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, and during stoppage time, defender Martin Keown brought down Diego Forlán in the Arsenal penalty area. United were awarded a penalty and Van Nistelrooy stepped up to take it, but his shot rebounded off the crossbar.[55]

This was followed by scenes of jubilation from the Arsenal players, who confronted Van Nistelrooy after his miss and the resulting scuffle led to another fracas after the final whistle.[55] The FA immediately took action, charging six of Arsenal's players (Jens Lehmann, Ray Parlour, Lauren, Cole, Keown and Vieira) with improper conduct.[56] The club was fined £175,000, the largest ever given to a club by the FA at the time.[56] Lauren received a four-game ban, whereas Vieira and Parlour were given one-match suspensions.[57]

The next game between these two clubs was held at Highbury in March 2004, again ending in a draw following a late Louis Saha goal.[58] The match marked the first time a team had ever started the season reaching 30 games without defeat.[59]

Ferguson's side then knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park the following weekend; United supporters at the ground led a chorus of "Where's your Treble gone?" to their rivals.[60] United went on to win the FA Cup, while Arsenal regained the title without losing a league game.[61] They faced each other in the 2004 FA Community Shield and Arsenal won the match 3–1.[62]

2004–05: Unbeaten run ends, tunnel fracas

See also: Battle of the Buffet
 
Arsène Wenger was highly critical of Mike Riley's performance, suggesting the referee was biased towards the home side.[63]

By the time Arsenal next played Manchester United, the club had extended its unbeaten league run to 49 games.[64] United stood in sixth place in the table, 11 points behind Arsenal and were intent on ending their rivals' undefeated streak.[65] Ferguson in his press conference described Arsenal's conduct in the equivalent fixture a year ago as "...the worst thing I've seen in this sport. No wonder they were so delighted at the verdicts."[65]

The October 2004 league match, staged at Old Trafford, was blighted by a number of fouls, overlooked by referee Mike Riley, including striker Van Nistelrooy's studs-up challenge on Cole.[66] Arsenal dictated much of the play, but as the game headed towards the finish, United threatened. The home side were awarded a penalty when Wayne Rooney was adjudged to have been fouled in the area by Campbell. Van Nistelrooy scored and late in the game Rooney scored to give United a 2–0 win.[67] Tempers flared in the tunnel afterwards; Wenger confronted Van Nistelrooy for his tackle on Cole, but Ferguson intervened and told him to leave his players alone.[68] Pizza was thrown at Ferguson by an Arsenal player, which forced him to change into the club tracksuit in order to carry out his television duties. An investigation into "Pizzagate" never came around as both clubs kept silent.[69]

The clubs met again five weeks later in the League Cup quarter-finals at Old Trafford and despite both sides fielding weakened teams, the match was not short of drama.[70] David Bellion gave United the lead in just 19 seconds, but tempers boiled over in the second half; a late tackle by Robin van Persie on Kieran Richardson resulted in a fracas between both sets of players, which concluded with both protagonists getting booked by referee Mark Halsey.[70] The game finished 1–0.[70] In the reverse league fixture, club captains Keane and Vieira had to be separated in the tunnel before the match by referee Graham Poll.[71] Keane accused the Arsenal midfielder of intimidating his teammate Gary Neville, telling the press afterwards: "I said, 'Come and have a go at me'. Simple as that. If he wants to intimidate some of my team-mates then let's have a go at some of the other players. I think Gary Neville's an easy target. I wasn't having it."[72] Vieira gave Arsenal the lead in the eighth minute of the match but United ran out 4–2 winners.[73]

In May 2005, Arsenal and United contested the 124th FA Cup final. It was the first time in the competition's history that the final was decided by a penalty shoot-out. Arsenal beat United 5–4, following a goalless draw after extra time.[74] Arsenal forward José Antonio Reyes became the second player in Cup final history to be sent off, following his second yellow card near the end of extra time.[75]

2005–2018

 
Rio Ferdinand and Cesc Fàbregas in discussion with the referee before the first European game between the two sides in April 2009.

Chelsea's emergence as title challengers put an end to Arsenal and Manchester United's domestic duopoly.[76] The West London club won back-to-back league titles in 2004–05 and 2005–06 under José Mourinho, at a time when Arsenal and United underwent a period of transition.[77] Vieira and Keane had left their respective clubs by the end of 2005, while Ferguson came under intense scrutiny over his management.[78] Nevertheless, he guided his team to Premier League success in 2006–07, and won a further four league titles.[43] At Arsenal, Wenger oversaw the club's relocation to the Emirates Stadium and made the decision to prioritise it over strengthening the squad.[79] The club sold several experienced players, replenishing them with younger talent.[79] The 2005 FA Cup win was their last piece of silverware until 2014.[80]

Though the rivalry cooled, the two clubs were still involved in engrossing battles; The Guardian's Jamie Jackson wrote after a November 2007 fixture: "For once here was enough spectacle to meet the pre-match hype and convince the millions watching around the world that the Premier League may just have the best footballers who can play the very best stuff."[81] In 2009, the teams met in the semi-finals of the 2008–09 UEFA Champions League, which United won 4–1 on aggregate. United defender Patrice Evra was blunt in his post-match assessment: "It was 11 men against 11 children. We never doubted ourselves. We have much more experience and that's what made the difference."[82] Wenger described it as the most disappointing night of his career,[83] and said the response from Arsenal fans made him feel as though he had "killed someone".[84]

 
Robin van Persie about to take a penalty against his former side, April 2013

Later that month, a 0–0 draw was enough to give United a third consecutive league title, equalling Liverpool's record of 18.[85] Wenger paid his respects to Ferguson, saying that it was "remarkable to have such a consistent motivation at that level – and deal with the stress and all the other ingredients",[86] and declared United worthy champions.[87]

In August of the following season, the two teams met at Old Trafford, with United coming from behind to win 2–1. Towards the end of the game, Arsenal had a goal ruled out for offside, causing Wenger to lash out and angrily kick a water bottle before being sent off by referee Mike Dean;[88] Wenger climbed on top of the dugout area, where he received chants of "sit down you paedophile" from United fans.[89] The incident resulted in an apology from referee's chief Keith Hackett,[90] while United chief executive David Gill raised the issue with a group of influential supporters.[91]

In December 2010, Ferguson made a personal plea to the United fans to no longer sing the "sick" chant at Wenger, as those kind of chants from fans were considered an embarrassment to the club.[92] With both teams going for the Premier League title in May 2011, Arsenal won their first game against Manchester United since November 2008, to leave United just three points ahead of Chelsea and six ahead of Arsenal going into the final three games of the season.[93] Nevertheless, United won the league, nine points ahead of Chelsea and 12 points ahead of Arsenal.[94]

In August 2011, Arsenal suffered their heaviest league defeat in 84 years as they lost 8–2 to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Arsenal had not lost a league game by such a margin since 1927 when they lost 7–0 to West Ham United in the old Football League First Division.[95] This was also the first time they had conceded eight goals in a game since 1896, when they lost 8–0 to the now defunct Loughborough in the old Football League Second Division.[96] A year later, striker Robin van Persie joined United, having stated that he would not renew his contract with Arsenal. It was speculated that he would move to a club overseas, but signed for the Manchester club, the first Arsenal player to do so since Viv Anderson in 1987.[97] Ferguson called Wenger to push through a deal when he learnt of the contract situation.[98] Van Persie was instrumental in United's league win of 2012–13 – Ferguson's last, and coincidentally received a guard of honour by his former teammates before United faced Arsenal at the Emirates in April 2013.[99]

The appointment of Mourinho as United manager in 2016 added a new twist to the rivalry, given the previous animosity between him and Wenger.[100] Sports writer Daniel Taylor however argued that Wenger's stagnation hindered any confrontations between the two managers, writing: "Ferguson stopped aiming his barbs at Wenger once it became clear his old enemy was no longer capable of producing title-winning teams and it doesn’t feel like a coincidence that Mourinho also seems indifferent now that Arsenal have dropped even further back."[101] Former midfielder Phil Neville criticised the players for hugging in the tunnel before a league fixture in May 2017, calling the pleasantries a "total nonsense".[102] In December 2017 analysts calculated the league fixture between the two sides as the Premier League's first billion pound game.[103]

Ahead of Wenger's last game against United in April 2018, Channel 5 aired an hour-long documentary titled "The Feud", described in a review by The Guardian as "exhilarating".[104] In the build-up to the game, Fergsuon paid tribute to Wenger, saying he had always respected him in spite of the rivalry, and that the two clubs had "made the Premier League".[105] United fans gave Wenger a standing ovation prior to the game at Old Trafford, which ended in a 2–1 defeat through a last-minute goal from Marouane Fellaini, a result described as "cruel yet predictable"; Arsenal had won one game in 15 years as the away team in the fixture.[106]

Ferguson and Wenger

It was not until Wenger's arrival in October 1996 that Arsenal reemerged as a serious league competitor. By the end of the 1996–97 season, Manchester United amassed their fourth title in five seasons,[107] whereas Arsenal finished the campaign in third – their highest position since the formation of the Premier League in 1992.[108] During the season, Wenger commented on rule changes which permitted an extension to the league calendar: "It's wrong the programme is extended so Manchester United can rest and win everything."[109] His observation irked Ferguson, who replied: "He has no experience of English football. He has come here from Japan, and now he is telling everyone how to organise our football. Unless you have been in the situation and had the experience then he should keep his mouth shut, firmly shut."[110]

The relationship between both managers was evidently hostile to begin with. Ferguson noted that Wenger was the only manager he came across in the league not to share a drink with after matches – an English football "tradition".[111] In 2009, Wenger said his discourtesy was mistaken for mistrust and managers "cannot be completely friendly and open up."[112] When asked if this was the reason he avoided the post-match drink, he replied: "Most of the time, yes. What can you say if you have won? And if you have lost all you want to do is get home and prepare for the next game."[112]

 
Sir Alex Ferguson's relationship with Arsène Wenger turned cordial in later years.

In January 2005, Ferguson and Wenger were embroiled in a new row over what had happened in the tunnel after Pizzagate.[113] Ferguson alleged that Wenger called his players "cheats" and never apologised for his team's behaviour: "It's a disgrace, but I don't expect Wenger to ever apologise, he's that type of person."[113] Wenger then claimed Ferguson was guilty of bringing the game into disrepute; he told reporters that he "will never answer any questions any more about this man," but went further to question the motive of the press: "What I don't understand is that he does what he wants and you are all at his feet."[114] Both managers came under pressure from the Metropolitan Police Service, then Sports Minister Richard Caborn and Premier League chairman Richard Scudamore to put an end to the bickering.[115] Ferguson and Wenger agreed to tone down their words, in an attempt to defuse the rivalry. In later years, Ferguson said Arsenal's defeat "scrambled Arsène’s brain" and caused their relationship to breakdown for almost five years.[116]

The two managers have "exchanged some of football's best and bitterest verbal swipes," according to The Daily Telegraph.[117] In 1997, Ferguson called Wenger a "novice" for complaining about the fixture programme and later said of his linguistic skills: "They say he’s an intelligent man, right? Speaks five languages! I've got a 15-year-old boy from the Ivory Coast who speaks five languages!"[118] After Arsenal's defeat to Manchester United in February 1997 – a match marred by a bust up between Wright and Schmeichel, Wenger referred to Ferguson's interference: "I was surprised to see Ferguson on the pitch because you can only play eleven."[109] When Ferguson asserted that his team played the best football in England during the 2001–02 season, Wenger quipped: "Everyone thinks they have the prettiest wife at home," a remark that Ferguson initially suspected was a taunt at his own wife Cathy.[119]

Such was the media's fascination of both managers' insults towards one another, psychologists were brought in to read and contrast their personalities.[109] John Kramer, a sports psychologist suggested in 2004 that Ferguson and Wenger used their rivalry in order to relax before an important match. To him, Ferguson was "...the past master in terms of creating an environment of keeping his players hungry" by using a persecution complex; Wenger on the other hand diffuses the psychology and would rather "...tell his players they are all superb and will attempt to create an environment where they are able to show off their skills without the rest of it."[120] Kramer concluded that both managers' comments "add[s] to the drama", but was insignificant in the games between the two clubs.[120]

Ferguson in his autobiography said a major turning point in his relationship with Wenger was after the Champions League semi-final of 2009; the Arsenal manager invited his competitor into the dressing room and congratulated him on United's win.[116] Wenger said their relationship had become genial since his team stopped competing with Manchester United for trophies.[112] The move to the Emirates Stadium in 2006 is often cited as the reason why, given it coincided with a transitional phase for the club. Several experienced first teamers were displaced in favour of youth and the style of football became shifted more towards ball retention.[121] Ferguson assessed the change in philosophy proved that Wenger did not "like to blend them too much with older players;" he also felt the team lacked a much needed balance between attack and defence.[122]

Television and radio broadcasts

The growth of the rivalry during the 1990s attracted the attention of broadcasters and has led to fixtures being rescheduled from the 3pm blackout period to primetime viewing in the United Kingdom. League matches are often broadcast on Sky Sports – once as early as 11:15am,[123] while cup games have aired on mainstream channels, BBC One and ITV.[124][125] At the height of the rivalry, the games on Sky had been billed as title deciders, and play was summarised by Martin Tyler and Andy Gray.[126] The April 2003 match at Highbury, advertised as "Face Off",[127] was seen by a British audience of 3.4 million,[128] while the 2005 Cup final was watched by more than 480 million viewers worldwide.[129]

In August 1999, the two sides participated in the world's first interactive football match,[130] and 11 years later featured in the world's first 3D TV sports broadcast – both events trialled by Sky.[131] To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the first radio football commentary, the BBC reintroduced its "grid system" to help listeners visualise the action between Arsenal and Manchester United in January 2007.[132] Musician David Gray was enlisted as guest summariser, with John Murray describing the action and James Alexander Gordon calling out the grid numbers to explain where the ball was.[132]

The rivalry was explored in an ITV4 special, Keane & Vieira: Best of Enemies, first broadcast in December 2013. The documentary saw the former captains discussing about their relationship, views on their respective managers and what they thought of each other.[133]

Footballers who have played for both clubs

Arsenal, then Manchester United[8]

Manchester United, then Arsenal[8]

Note: David Platt never played a senior game for United, Jim Leighton never played a senior game for Arsenal.

Statistics

All figures are correct as of 26 February 2023.[134][135][136]

Honours

  •      Numbers with this background and symbol are italicised to denote club holds record in the competition.
Honour Arsenal Manchester United Total
Football League and Premier League 13 20   33
FA Cup 14   12 26
Football League Cup / EFL Cup 2 6 8
European Cup / UEFA Champions League — 3 3
UEFA Cup / UEFA Europa League — 1 1
Inter-Cities Fairs Cup 1 — 1
European Cup Winners' Cup / UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1 1 2
FA Charity Shield / FA Community Shield 16 21   37
European Super Cup / UEFA Super Cup — 1 1
Intercontinental Cup — 1 1
FIFA Club World Cup — 1 1
Overall 47 67 114

Head-to-head

As of 22 January 2023[137][138]
Competition Played Arsenal wins Drawn Manchester United wins Arsenal goals Manchester United goals
Football League/Premier League 208 74 49 85 291 314
FA Cup 16 6 2 8 20 22
Football League Cup / EFL Cup 6 2 0 4 12 15
Football League Centenary Trophy 1 1 0 0 2 1
FA Charity Shield / FA Community Shield 6 4 2 0 14 7
UEFA Champions League 2 0 0 2 1 4
Total 239 87 53 99 340 363

Records

  • First competitive meeting: Newton Heath 3–3 Woolwich Arsenal – Second Division, 13 October 1894[134]
  • First FA Cup meeting: Manchester United 2–3 Arsenal – Fourth Round, 10 March 1906[134]
  • First Community Shield meeting: Arsenal 4–3 Manchester United – Final, 6 October 1948[134]
  • First League Cup meeting: Arsenal 3–2 Manchester United – Second Round, 30 August 1977[134]
  • First European meeting: Manchester United 1–0 Arsenal – UEFA Champions League semi-final, 6 April 2009[139]
  • First away victory:
    • Arsenal: Manchester United 0–1 Arsenal – Second Division, 15 March 1902[134]
    • Manchester United: Arsenal 0–2 Manchester United – Second Division, 3 April 1897[134]
  • Highest scoring game: Manchester United 8–2 Arsenal – Premier League, 28 August 2011[134]
  • Largest winning margin:
    • Arsenal: 5–0 – FA Cup fourth round, 30 January 1937[134]
    • Manchester United: 8–2 – Premier League, 28 August 2011[134]
  • Most consecutive wins:
    • Arsenal: 4 (9 November 1997 – 20 September 1998)[134]
    • Manchester United: 5 (6 September 1983 – 24 August 1985)[134]
  • Longest undefeated run:
    • Arsenal: 5 (5 April 1922 – 28 December 1926; 4 wins and 1 draw, 10 March 2019 – 30 January 2021; 3 wins and 2 draws)[134]
    • Manchester United: 9 (20 November 1954 – 11 October 1958; 6 wins and 3 draws)[134]
  • Most consecutive draws: 3 – 26 September 1981 to 25 September 1982[134]
  • Most meetings in a season: 5 – 1998–99 and 2004–05[134]
  • Most goals: 12 – Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)[140]
  • Most appearances: 50 – Ryan Giggs (Manchester United)[141]
  • Highest league attendance: 83,260 at Maine Road, First Division, 17 January 1948[142]

See also

References

General

  • Crick, Michael (2003). The Boss: The Many Sides of Alex Ferguson. London: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 0-7434-2991-5.
  • Gray, Andy (2005). Gray Matters. London: Pan Macmillan. ISBN 0-330-43199-4.
  • Ferguson, Alex (2011). Managing My Life: My Autobiography. London: Hodder & Stoughton. ISBN 978-1-444-70910-0.
  • Manson, David (2005). Quotations from the Public Comments of Arsene Wenger: Manager, Arsenal. London: Virgin Books. ISBN 0-7535-1056-1.
  • Neville, Gary (2011). Red: My Autobiography. London: Random House. ISBN 978-0-5930-6559-4.

Specific

  1. ^ Leach, Jimmy; Rice, Simon (29 April 2009). "The bitter rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United". The Independent. London. Retrieved 9 August 2009.
  2. ^ "Ferguson and Wenger 'are friends'". BBC Sport. 23 October 2004. Retrieved 9 August 2009.
  3. ^ Palmer, Myles (24 October 2004). "Fergie owes knighthood to Wenger the 'flat-track bully'". The Observer. London. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
  4. ^ . Eurosport. 17 November 2016. Archived from the original on 31 August 2017. Retrieved 30 August 2017.
  5. ^ A Davies, Gareth (15 February 2008). "Arsenal heroes relish rivalry with Man Utd". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 15 August 2009.
  6. ^ a b "Old foes, new rivalry". Manchester United. 29 April 2009. Retrieved 29 January 2011.
  7. ^ Moody, Jon (30 November 2017). "9 reasons the Arsenal vs Manchester United rivalry has died a death in recent years". Daily Mirror. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
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Further reading

  • Murray, Scott (2 October 2015). "A brief guide to … the history behind Manchester United and Arsenal's rivalry". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 August 2017.

External links

  • at FIFA.com
  • List of results between Manchester United and Arsenal at 11v11.com

March 08, 2023
arsenal, manchester, united, rivalry, although, arsenal, manchester, united, have, frequently, been, same, division, english, football, since, 1919, rivalry, between, clubs, only, became, fierce, late, 1990s, early, 2000s, when, teams, regularly, competed, aga. Although Arsenal and Manchester United have frequently been in the same division in English football since 1919 the rivalry between the two clubs only became a fierce one in the late 1990s and early 2000s when the teams regularly competed against each other for the Premier League title and FA Cup There was also an enmity between the managers Arsenal s Arsene Wenger 1996 2018 and United s Sir Alex Ferguson 1986 2013 and club captains Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane 1 2 3 and their contests often involved on field trouble seven red cards were shown in matches from February 1997 to February 2005 4 The league fixture in September 2003 known as the Battle of Old Trafford was marred by a melee instigated by Arsenal players who felt striker Ruud van Nistelrooy had cheated to get Vieira sent off A season later Manchester United ended Arsenal s unbeaten run in controversial circumstances which led to more disorder this time in the tunnel Arsenal F C v Manchester United F C United and Arsenal players prepare for a corner kick during a Premier League match on 19 November 2016 TeamsArsenalManchester UnitedFirst meeting13 October 1894Football League Second DivisionNewton Heath 3 3 Woolwich ArsenalLatest meeting22 January 2023Premier LeagueArsenal 3 2 Manchester UnitedStadiumsEmirates Stadium Arsenal Old Trafford Manchester United StatisticsMeetings total239Most winsManchester United 99 Most player appearancesRyan Giggs 50 Top scorerWayne Rooney 12 All time seriesArsenal 87Drawn 53Manchester United 99Largest victoryManchester United 8 2 Arsenal 28 August 2011 By 2008 former Arsenal player Lee Dixon noted that the rivalry had diminished 5 Ferguson also stated that the two teams meetings had cooled from their previous heated exchanges 6 Other factors for the diminishing importance of the rivalry in the 2010s were the ascendancy of other clubs including local rivals of both Chelsea Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City 7 Arsenal and Manchester United first played a competitive match in October 1894 as of 22 January 2023 the two clubs have faced each other 238 times in total United have won 98 to Arsenal s 87 and 53 matches have ended in a draw Wayne Rooney has scored the most goals in the fixture with 12 while Ryan Giggs has made the highest number of appearances with 50 Several players have featured for both clubs at different stages of their career including Brian Kidd Andy Cole David Platt Robin van Persie Danny Welbeck Alexis Sanchez and former manager George Graham 8 Contents 1 History 1 1 Origins 1 2 1996 2003 1 3 2003 04 Brawl and Cup semi final meeting 1 4 2004 05 Unbeaten run ends tunnel fracas 1 5 2005 2018 2 Ferguson and Wenger 3 Television and radio broadcasts 4 Footballers who have played for both clubs 5 Statistics 5 1 Honours 5 2 Head to head 5 3 Records 6 See also 7 References 8 Further reading 9 External linksHistory EditOrigins Edit A particularly memorable match between the two sides came on 1 February 1958 when they met in a league fixture at Highbury 9 It was the last league game that United played before the Munich air disaster five days later which claimed the lives of eight of their players and saw two other players injured to such an extent that they never played again 9 United won the game 5 4 with goals from Tommy Taylor twice Duncan Edwards Bobby Charlton and Dennis Viollet 9 Five of the United players who would lose their lives as a result of the crash took to the field in the game captain and full back Roger Byrne right half Eddie Colman centre half Mark Jones left half Edwards and centre forward Taylor 9 Another high profile clash came more than 20 years later in the final of the FA Cup on 12 May 1979 10 A capacity crowd saw Arsenal take a 2 0 lead in the first half thanks to goals from Brian Talbot and Frank Stapleton and with just five minutes left on the clock their lead was still intact 10 Then in the 86th minute Gordon McQueen pulled a goal back for United and two minutes later they equalised with a goal from Sammy McIlroy 10 However barely a minute after United equalised Arsenal s Alan Sunderland scored an 89th minute goal to win the cup 3 2 for Arsenal 11 Although Arsenal and Manchester United had previously contested many significant matches Sir Alex Ferguson believed the rivalry started in January 1987 when David Rocastle was sent off for retaliating against a foul on Norman Whiteside 12 In October 1990 a brawl between both sides at Old Trafford resulted in both clubs being docked points in the 1990 91 First Division 6 13 The scuffle started when Arsenal s Anders Limpar who scored the only goal of the game contested for the ball with Manchester United defender Denis Irwin 14 Limpar s teammate Nigel Winterburn tackled Irwin which prompted Brian McClair and Irwin to retaliate 14 Winterburn was pushed onto the advertising hoardings and all the players bar goalkeeper David Seaman partook in a 20 second melee 15 As well as a points deduction both clubs fined several of their players and in Arsenal s case their manager too 16 17 Arsenal and United next faced each other at Highbury a little over a month later in the Football League Cup fourth round 18 19 year old winger Lee Sharpe scored a hat trick as United won the tie 6 2 18 1996 2003 Edit He has no experience of English football He has come from Japan and now he is telling us how to organise our football Unless you have been in the situation and had the experience then he should keep his mouth shut firmly shut Alex Ferguson speaking about Arsene Wenger in 1997 19 The rivalry intensified following the arrival of Arsene Wenger in October 1996 20 The first meeting between Ferguson s United and Wenger s Arsenal took place at United s Old Trafford stadium on 16 November 1996 Arsenal went into the game unbeaten in 10 matches but an own goal by Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn gave United a 1 0 victory An incident in the first half involving United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel and Arsenal striker Ian Wright evoked memories of the 1990 brawl 21 The return fixture at Highbury a 2 1 win for United was again marred by an incident between Wright and Schmeichel the striker challenged for the ball with both feet and caught the goalkeeper with his studs 22 A confrontation ensued and police stepped in to keep the players apart after the final whistle 23 It soon transpired the two incidents were linked as Wright had accused Schmeichel of racially abusing him and the allegations were being criminally investigated 24 25 Speaking to Sky Sports Ferguson firmly denied the allegations aimed at Schmeichel and said the claims were a slur against the club 26 Wenger claimed Ferguson was speaking too much and should let the justices do their job 26 but was defensive of the tackle which Wright had made saying there had been 30 worse tackles in the season 27 Wright s behaviour was scrutinised at a hearing where he complained he was subject to racial abuse by Schmeichel at which point the FA intervened and met with representatives of both clubs 22 In March it was announced that Schmeichel would not face any charges for the allegations and the pair were asked to make a public reconciliation with Wright agreeable to the idea 28 but it wasn t until April that they agreed to settle their differences 29 The managers animosity towards each other started to become apparent 30 Gary Neville described Arsenal s 1998 side as experienced and strong both mentally and physically 31 Wenger had advised against the Premier League extending the season to ease Manchester United s fixture congestion to which Ferguson publicly retorted Maybe he should concentrate on Ian Wright s tackles rather than Manchester United He s at a big club well Arsenal used to be a big club and maybe next year he could be in the same situation I wonder what h is story will be then 32 United had won four of the first five editions of the newly branded league and were on course to continue their domination after opening up a sizeable lead in February 1998 33 Injuries and poor results however destabilised the team and by the time Arsenal visited Old Trafford in March a title race was looking probable 34 Wenger was bullish of his team s chances I told you last week that the race was not over when the bookmakers stopped betting Surprise surprise they have started taking money again 35 A goal from Marc Overmars set Arsenal on the way to victory which put them six points behind with three games in hand 36 They eventually won the league and secured the double by beating Newcastle United in the Cup final 37 It was a trauma for us I can still hear the shouts of their team having won they couldn t believe it because they were down to 10 men And I think that put them on a wave of euphoria and then they won the title just Arsene Wenger reflecting on the FA Cup semi final replay 38 Arsenal began the 1998 99 season with a 3 0 win over United in the Charity Shield Ferguson was unconcerned by the result but losing to the champions a month later by the same scoreline was in his words a lot less tolerable 39 Both clubs again vied for domestic honours United this time pipped Arsenal by a point to regain the title 40 They also met in the FA Cup semi final which was replayed after the original game ended goalless 41 David Beckham and Dennis Bergkamp scored for their respective clubs either side of half time Roy Keane was dismissed and the holders late on were awarded a penalty 41 Schmeichel saved Bergkamp s attempt and the tie went into extra time Ryan Giggs memorably scored the winner picking up possession on the halfway line and dribbling past the entire Arsenal back line before shooting past David Seaman 41 A match that had everything finished with a pitch invasion sporadic fighting and David Beckham carried shoulder high from the field wrote Matt Dickinson in The Times 42 United went on to complete the treble winning the UEFA Champions League 40 The rivalry continued into the new millennium though Manchester United s domestic grip tightened They finished 18 points clear of Arsenal in 1999 2000 and completed a hat trick of titles the following season 43 Any indication United could be caught faded once Ferguson s team resoundingly beat Arsenal 6 1 in February 2001 44 Dwight Yorke scored a hat trick on a day Wenger fielded a relatively inexperienced centre back pairing of Gilles Grimandi and Igors Stepanovs 44 At the end of the campaign Ferguson announced his decision to retire 45 He reportedly sanctioned a bid to sign midfielder Patrick Vieira who was upset at Arsenal s transfer inactivity The transfer never came through Wenger blamed his rivals for approach ing to Patrick without contacting us and that does not really respect the rules 46 United made an indifferent start to the league campaign and by February 2002 Ferguson went back on his retirement plan on the advice of his family 47 48 Arsenal hit their stride as the 2001 02 season came to a close winning the double for the second time in four years 49 The championship was decided at Old Trafford in the penultimate game of the season Wenger described his team s 1 0 win as a shift of power 50 It s getting tickly now squeaky bum time I call it Sir Alex Ferguson on the title race 2003 51 United again won the title back in 2002 03 when it looked as though Arsenal would retain it A late season encounter between the teams ended in controversial circumstances after the match officials allowed Thierry Henry s second goal to stand despite the player being offside and Sol Campbell was sent off for an elbow on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in a 2 2 draw 52 Arsenal had beaten United on the way to FA Cup success and both teams contested the 2003 FA Community Shield at the start of the 2003 04 season In a hotly contested match Phil Neville was booked in the first minute for a challenge on Vieira and a minute later Ashley Cole received a booking for fouling Solskjaer 53 Yellow cards were also given to Quinton Fortune and Paul Scholes for United and Vieira for Arsenal 53 Substitute Francis Jeffers was shown a straight red for a kick on Phil Neville and despite originally going unpunished Campbell was later given a three match ban by the FA for kicking out at Eric Djemba Djemba 54 The game finished 1 1 after 90 minutes and United eventually won the Shield 4 3 on penalties 53 2003 04 Brawl and Cup semi final meeting Edit See also Battle of Old Trafford Old Trafford was the setting for another brawl between the two sides The rivalry escalated in September 2003 when Arsenal travelled to Old Trafford In the match Vieira was shown a second yellow card for his part in an altercation with striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and during stoppage time defender Martin Keown brought down Diego Forlan in the Arsenal penalty area United were awarded a penalty and Van Nistelrooy stepped up to take it but his shot rebounded off the crossbar 55 This was followed by scenes of jubilation from the Arsenal players who confronted Van Nistelrooy after his miss and the resulting scuffle led to another fracas after the final whistle 55 The FA immediately took action charging six of Arsenal s players Jens Lehmann Ray Parlour Lauren Cole Keown and Vieira with improper conduct 56 The club was fined 175 000 the largest ever given to a club by the FA at the time 56 Lauren received a four game ban whereas Vieira and Parlour were given one match suspensions 57 The next game between these two clubs was held at Highbury in March 2004 again ending in a draw following a late Louis Saha goal 58 The match marked the first time a team had ever started the season reaching 30 games without defeat 59 Ferguson s side then knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup semi final at Villa Park the following weekend United supporters at the ground led a chorus of Where s your Treble gone to their rivals 60 United went on to win the FA Cup while Arsenal regained the title without losing a league game 61 They faced each other in the 2004 FA Community Shield and Arsenal won the match 3 1 62 2004 05 Unbeaten run ends tunnel fracas Edit See also Battle of the Buffet Arsene Wenger was highly critical of Mike Riley s performance suggesting the referee was biased towards the home side 63 By the time Arsenal next played Manchester United the club had extended its unbeaten league run to 49 games 64 United stood in sixth place in the table 11 points behind Arsenal and were intent on ending their rivals undefeated streak 65 Ferguson in his press conference described Arsenal s conduct in the equivalent fixture a year ago as the worst thing I ve seen in this sport No wonder they were so delighted at the verdicts 65 The October 2004 league match staged at Old Trafford was blighted by a number of fouls overlooked by referee Mike Riley including striker Van Nistelrooy s studs up challenge on Cole 66 Arsenal dictated much of the play but as the game headed towards the finish United threatened The home side were awarded a penalty when Wayne Rooney was adjudged to have been fouled in the area by Campbell Van Nistelrooy scored and late in the game Rooney scored to give United a 2 0 win 67 Tempers flared in the tunnel afterwards Wenger confronted Van Nistelrooy for his tackle on Cole but Ferguson intervened and told him to leave his players alone 68 Pizza was thrown at Ferguson by an Arsenal player which forced him to change into the club tracksuit in order to carry out his television duties An investigation into Pizzagate never came around as both clubs kept silent 69 The clubs met again five weeks later in the League Cup quarter finals at Old Trafford and despite both sides fielding weakened teams the match was not short of drama 70 David Bellion gave United the lead in just 19 seconds but tempers boiled over in the second half a late tackle by Robin van Persie on Kieran Richardson resulted in a fracas between both sets of players which concluded with both protagonists getting booked by referee Mark Halsey 70 The game finished 1 0 70 In the reverse league fixture club captains Keane and Vieira had to be separated in the tunnel before the match by referee Graham Poll 71 Keane accused the Arsenal midfielder of intimidating his teammate Gary Neville telling the press afterwards I said Come and have a go at me Simple as that If he wants to intimidate some of my team mates then let s have a go at some of the other players I think Gary Neville s an easy target I wasn t having it 72 Vieira gave Arsenal the lead in the eighth minute of the match but United ran out 4 2 winners 73 In May 2005 Arsenal and United contested the 124th FA Cup final It was the first time in the competition s history that the final was decided by a penalty shoot out Arsenal beat United 5 4 following a goalless draw after extra time 74 Arsenal forward Jose Antonio Reyes became the second player in Cup final history to be sent off following his second yellow card near the end of extra time 75 2005 2018 Edit Rio Ferdinand and Cesc Fabregas in discussion with the referee before the first European game between the two sides in April 2009 Chelsea s emergence as title challengers put an end to Arsenal and Manchester United s domestic duopoly 76 The West London club won back to back league titles in 2004 05 and 2005 06 under Jose Mourinho at a time when Arsenal and United underwent a period of transition 77 Vieira and Keane had left their respective clubs by the end of 2005 while Ferguson came under intense scrutiny over his management 78 Nevertheless he guided his team to Premier League success in 2006 07 and won a further four league titles 43 At Arsenal Wenger oversaw the club s relocation to the Emirates Stadium and made the decision to prioritise it over strengthening the squad 79 The club sold several experienced players replenishing them with younger talent 79 The 2005 FA Cup win was their last piece of silverware until 2014 80 Though the rivalry cooled the two clubs were still involved in engrossing battles The Guardian s Jamie Jackson wrote after a November 2007 fixture For once here was enough spectacle to meet the pre match hype and convince the millions watching around the world that the Premier League may just have the best footballers who can play the very best stuff 81 In 2009 the teams met in the semi finals of the 2008 09 UEFA Champions League which United won 4 1 on aggregate United defender Patrice Evra was blunt in his post match assessment It was 11 men against 11 children We never doubted ourselves We have much more experience and that s what made the difference 82 Wenger described it as the most disappointing night of his career 83 and said the response from Arsenal fans made him feel as though he had killed someone 84 Robin van Persie about to take a penalty against his former side April 2013 Later that month a 0 0 draw was enough to give United a third consecutive league title equalling Liverpool s record of 18 85 Wenger paid his respects to Ferguson saying that it was remarkable to have such a consistent motivation at that level and deal with the stress and all the other ingredients 86 and declared United worthy champions 87 In August of the following season the two teams met at Old Trafford with United coming from behind to win 2 1 Towards the end of the game Arsenal had a goal ruled out for offside causing Wenger to lash out and angrily kick a water bottle before being sent off by referee Mike Dean 88 Wenger climbed on top of the dugout area where he received chants of sit down you paedophile from United fans 89 The incident resulted in an apology from referee s chief Keith Hackett 90 while United chief executive David Gill raised the issue with a group of influential supporters 91 In December 2010 Ferguson made a personal plea to the United fans to no longer sing the sick chant at Wenger as those kind of chants from fans were considered an embarrassment to the club 92 With both teams going for the Premier League title in May 2011 Arsenal won their first game against Manchester United since November 2008 to leave United just three points ahead of Chelsea and six ahead of Arsenal going into the final three games of the season 93 Nevertheless United won the league nine points ahead of Chelsea and 12 points ahead of Arsenal 94 In August 2011 Arsenal suffered their heaviest league defeat in 84 years as they lost 8 2 to Manchester United at Old Trafford Arsenal had not lost a league game by such a margin since 1927 when they lost 7 0 to West Ham United in the old Football League First Division 95 This was also the first time they had conceded eight goals in a game since 1896 when they lost 8 0 to the now defunct Loughborough in the old Football League Second Division 96 A year later striker Robin van Persie joined United having stated that he would not renew his contract with Arsenal It was speculated that he would move to a club overseas but signed for the Manchester club the first Arsenal player to do so since Viv Anderson in 1987 97 Ferguson called Wenger to push through a deal when he learnt of the contract situation 98 Van Persie was instrumental in United s league win of 2012 13 Ferguson s last and coincidentally received a guard of honour by his former teammates before United faced Arsenal at the Emirates in April 2013 99 The appointment of Mourinho as United manager in 2016 added a new twist to the rivalry given the previous animosity between him and Wenger 100 Sports writer Daniel Taylor however argued that Wenger s stagnation hindered any confrontations between the two managers writing Ferguson stopped aiming his barbs at Wenger once it became clear his old enemy was no longer capable of producing title winning teams and it doesn t feel like a coincidence that Mourinho also seems indifferent now that Arsenal have dropped even further back 101 Former midfielder Phil Neville criticised the players for hugging in the tunnel before a league fixture in May 2017 calling the pleasantries a total nonsense 102 In December 2017 analysts calculated the league fixture between the two sides as the Premier League s first billion pound game 103 Ahead of Wenger s last game against United in April 2018 Channel 5 aired an hour long documentary titled The Feud described in a review by The Guardian as exhilarating 104 In the build up to the game Fergsuon paid tribute to Wenger saying he had always respected him in spite of the rivalry and that the two clubs had made the Premier League 105 United fans gave Wenger a standing ovation prior to the game at Old Trafford which ended in a 2 1 defeat through a last minute goal from Marouane Fellaini a result described as cruel yet predictable Arsenal had won one game in 15 years as the away team in the fixture 106 Ferguson and Wenger EditIt was not until Wenger s arrival in October 1996 that Arsenal reemerged as a serious league competitor By the end of the 1996 97 season Manchester United amassed their fourth title in five seasons 107 whereas Arsenal finished the campaign in third their highest position since the formation of the Premier League in 1992 108 During the season Wenger commented on rule changes which permitted an extension to the league calendar It s wrong the programme is extended so Manchester United can rest and win everything 109 His observation irked Ferguson who replied He has no experience of English football He has come here from Japan and now he is telling everyone how to organise our football Unless you have been in the situation and had the experience then he should keep his mouth shut firmly shut 110 The relationship between both managers was evidently hostile to begin with Ferguson noted that Wenger was the only manager he came across in the league not to share a drink with after matches an English football tradition 111 In 2009 Wenger said his discourtesy was mistaken for mistrust and managers cannot be completely friendly and open up 112 When asked if this was the reason he avoided the post match drink he replied Most of the time yes What can you say if you have won And if you have lost all you want to do is get home and prepare for the next game 112 Sir Alex Ferguson s relationship with Arsene Wenger turned cordial in later years In January 2005 Ferguson and Wenger were embroiled in a new row over what had happened in the tunnel after Pizzagate 113 Ferguson alleged that Wenger called his players cheats and never apologised for his team s behaviour It s a disgrace but I don t expect Wenger to ever apologise he s that type of person 113 Wenger then claimed Ferguson was guilty of bringing the game into disrepute he told reporters that he will never answer any questions any more about this man but went further to question the motive of the press What I don t understand is that he does what he wants and you are all at his feet 114 Both managers came under pressure from the Metropolitan Police Service then Sports Minister Richard Caborn and Premier League chairman Richard Scudamore to put an end to the bickering 115 Ferguson and Wenger agreed to tone down their words in an attempt to defuse the rivalry In later years Ferguson said Arsenal s defeat scrambled Arsene s brain and caused their relationship to breakdown for almost five years 116 The two managers have exchanged some of football s best and bitterest verbal swipes according to The Daily Telegraph 117 In 1997 Ferguson called Wenger a novice for complaining about the fixture programme and later said of his linguistic skills They say he s an intelligent man right Speaks five languages I ve got a 15 year old boy from the Ivory Coast who speaks five languages 118 After Arsenal s defeat to Manchester United in February 1997 a match marred by a bust up between Wright and Schmeichel Wenger referred to Ferguson s interference I was surprised to see Ferguson on the pitch because you can only play eleven 109 When Ferguson asserted that his team played the best football in England during the 2001 02 season Wenger quipped Everyone thinks they have the prettiest wife at home a remark that Ferguson initially suspected was a taunt at his own wife Cathy 119 Such was the media s fascination of both managers insults towards one another psychologists were brought in to read and contrast their personalities 109 John Kramer a sports psychologist suggested in 2004 that Ferguson and Wenger used their rivalry in order to relax before an important match To him Ferguson was the past master in terms of creating an environment of keeping his players hungry by using a persecution complex Wenger on the other hand diffuses the psychology and would rather tell his players they are all superb and will attempt to create an environment where they are able to show off their skills without the rest of it 120 Kramer concluded that both managers comments add s to the drama but was insignificant in the games between the two clubs 120 Ferguson in his autobiography said a major turning point in his relationship with Wenger was after the Champions League semi final of 2009 the Arsenal manager invited his competitor into the dressing room and congratulated him on United s win 116 Wenger said their relationship had become genial since his team stopped competing with Manchester United for trophies 112 The move to the Emirates Stadium in 2006 is often cited as the reason why given it coincided with a transitional phase for the club Several experienced first teamers were displaced in favour of youth and the style of football became shifted more towards ball retention 121 Ferguson assessed the change in philosophy proved that Wenger did not like to blend them too much with older players he also felt the team lacked a much needed balance between attack and defence 122 Television and radio broadcasts EditThe growth of the rivalry during the 1990s attracted the attention of broadcasters and has led to fixtures being rescheduled from the 3pm blackout period to primetime viewing in the United Kingdom League matches are often broadcast on Sky Sports once as early as 11 15am 123 while cup games have aired on mainstream channels BBC One and ITV 124 125 At the height of the rivalry the games on Sky had been billed as title deciders and play was summarised by Martin Tyler and Andy Gray 126 The April 2003 match at Highbury advertised as Face Off 127 was seen by a British audience of 3 4 million 128 while the 2005 Cup final was watched by more than 480 million viewers worldwide 129 In August 1999 the two sides participated in the world s first interactive football match 130 and 11 years later featured in the world s first 3D TV sports broadcast both events trialled by Sky 131 To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the first radio football commentary the BBC reintroduced its grid system to help listeners visualise the action between Arsenal and Manchester United in January 2007 132 Musician David Gray was enlisted as guest summariser with John Murray describing the action and James Alexander Gordon calling out the grid numbers to explain where the ball was 132 The rivalry was explored in an ITV4 special Keane amp Vieira Best of Enemies first broadcast in December 2013 The documentary saw the former captains discussing about their relationship views on their respective managers and what they thought of each other 133 Footballers who have played for both clubs EditArsenal then Manchester United 8 Name Pos Arsenal Manchester United David Herd FW 1954 1961 1961 1968 Ian Ure MF 1963 1969 1969 1971 George Graham FW 1966 1972 1972 1974 Frank Stapleton FW 1971 1981 1981 1987 Viv Anderson DF 1984 1987 1987 1991 Andy Cole FW 1989 1992 1995 2001 Robin van Persie FW 2004 2012 2012 2015 Alexis Sanchez FW 2014 2018 2018 2020 Robin van Persie moved from Arsenal to Manchester United in August 2012 Manchester United then Arsenal 8 Name Pos Manchester United Arsenal Paddy Sloan FW 1937 1939 1946 1948 Jimmy Rimmer GK 1965 1974 1974 1977 Brian Kidd FW 1967 1974 1974 1976 Jim Leighton GK 1988 1991 1991 David Platt MF 1982 1985 1995 1998 Mikael Silvestre DF 1999 2008 2008 2010 Danny Welbeck FW 2008 2014 2014 2019 Henrikh Mkhitaryan FW 2016 2018 2018 2020 Danny Welbeck moved from Manchester United to Arsenal in September 2014 Note David Platt never played a senior game for United Jim Leighton never played a senior game for Arsenal Statistics EditAll figures are correct as of 26 February 2023 134 135 136 Honours Edit Numbers with this background and symbol are italicised to denote club holds record in the competition Honour Arsenal Manchester United TotalFootball League and Premier League 13 20 33FA Cup 14 12 26Football League Cup EFL Cup 2 6 8European Cup UEFA Champions League 3 3UEFA Cup UEFA Europa League 1 1Inter Cities Fairs Cup 1 1European Cup Winners Cup UEFA Cup Winners Cup 1 1 2FA Charity Shield FA Community Shield 16 21 37European Super Cup UEFA Super Cup 1 1Intercontinental Cup 1 1FIFA Club World Cup 1 1Overall 47 67 114Head to head Edit As of 22 January 2023 137 138 Competition Played Arsenal wins Drawn Manchester United wins Arsenal goals Manchester United goalsFootball League Premier League 208 74 49 85 291 314FA Cup 16 6 2 8 20 22Football League Cup EFL Cup 6 2 0 4 12 15Football League Centenary Trophy 1 1 0 0 2 1FA Charity Shield FA Community Shield 6 4 2 0 14 7UEFA Champions League 2 0 0 2 1 4Total 239 87 53 99 340 363Records Edit First competitive meeting Newton Heath 3 3 Woolwich Arsenal Second Division 13 October 1894 134 First FA Cup meeting Manchester United 2 3 Arsenal Fourth Round 10 March 1906 134 First Community Shield meeting Arsenal 4 3 Manchester United Final 6 October 1948 134 First League Cup meeting Arsenal 3 2 Manchester United Second Round 30 August 1977 134 First European meeting Manchester United 1 0 Arsenal UEFA Champions League semi final 6 April 2009 139 First away victory Arsenal Manchester United 0 1 Arsenal Second Division 15 March 1902 134 Manchester United Arsenal 0 2 Manchester United Second Division 3 April 1897 134 Highest scoring game Manchester United 8 2 Arsenal Premier League 28 August 2011 134 Largest winning margin Arsenal 5 0 FA Cup fourth round 30 January 1937 134 Manchester United 8 2 Premier League 28 August 2011 134 Most consecutive wins Arsenal 4 9 November 1997 20 September 1998 134 Manchester United 5 6 September 1983 24 August 1985 134 Longest undefeated run Arsenal 5 5 April 1922 28 December 1926 4 wins and 1 draw 10 March 2019 30 January 2021 3 wins and 2 draws 134 Manchester United 9 20 November 1954 11 October 1958 6 wins and 3 draws 134 Most consecutive draws 3 26 September 1981 to 25 September 1982 134 Most meetings in a season 5 1998 99 and 2004 05 134 Most goals 12 Wayne Rooney Manchester United 140 Most appearances 50 Ryan Giggs Manchester United 141 Highest league attendance 83 260 at Maine Road First Division 17 January 1948 142 See also EditList of sports rivalries in the United KingdomReferences EditGeneral Crick Michael 2003 The Boss The Many Sides of Alex Ferguson London Simon and Schuster ISBN 0 7434 2991 5 Gray Andy 2005 Gray Matters London Pan Macmillan ISBN 0 330 43199 4 Ferguson Alex 2011 Managing My Life My Autobiography London Hodder amp Stoughton ISBN 978 1 444 70910 0 Manson David 2005 Quotations from the Public Comments of Arsene Wenger Manager Arsenal London Virgin Books ISBN 0 7535 1056 1 Neville Gary 2011 Red My Autobiography London Random House ISBN 978 0 5930 6559 4 Specific Leach Jimmy Rice Simon 29 April 2009 The bitter rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United The Independent London Retrieved 9 August 2009 Ferguson and Wenger are friends BBC Sport 23 October 2004 Retrieved 9 August 2009 Palmer Myles 24 October 2004 Fergie owes knighthood to Wenger the flat track bully The Observer London Retrieved 28 August 2017 Quiz Manchester United v Arsenal 14 red cards in the Wenger era how many can you recall Eurosport 17 November 2016 Archived from the original on 31 August 2017 Retrieved 30 August 2017 A Davies Gareth 15 February 2008 Arsenal heroes relish rivalry with Man Utd The Daily Telegraph Retrieved 15 August 2009 a b Old foes new rivalry Manchester United 29 April 2009 Retrieved 29 January 2011 Moody Jon 30 November 2017 9 reasons the Arsenal vs Manchester United rivalry has died a death in recent years Daily Mirror Retrieved 26 December 2017 a b c 12 players who featured for both Arsenal and Manchester United and where they performed best The Telegraph Retrieved 7 November 2017 a b c d Philip Robert 5 February 2008 Busby Babes last and finest league game The Daily Telegraph London Retrieved 15 August 2009 a b c The Five Minute Final stuns Manchester Utd Arsenal FC 10 May 2017 Retrieved 28 August 2017 FA Cup Archive Arsenal survive Cup scare BBC Sport 27 January 2015 Retrieved 28 August 2017 Northcroft Jonathan 19 April 2009 Rivalry renewed The Sunday Times Retrieved 15 August 2009 subscription required Fleming Mark 12 March 2011 Battle Grounds The history of Arsenal and United s emnity sic The Independent London Retrieved 28 August 2017 a b Bierley Stephen 22 October 1990 FA to act over 21 man brawl The Guardian London p 16 Hart Michael 25 September 2003 1990 the brawl to end them all Evening Standard London Retrieved 9 November 2017 Jones Stuart 13 November 1990 Arsenal and United count the cost The Times London p 40 Taylor Louise 24 October 1990 Graham is fined by Arsenal The Times London p 42 a b Smyth Rob 11 April 2008 The Joy of Six Manchester Utd v Arsenal showdowns The Guardian Retrieved 28 August 2017 Caulkin George 7 April 1997 Ferguson s defence lacks credence The Irish Times Retrieved 22 August 2020 Trickett Alex 23 November 2004 Ferguson s defining moments BBC Sport Retrieved 24 August 2017 Ridley Ian 17 November 1996 Deflected glory for United The Independent Retrieved 22 August 2020 a b Lacey David 20 February 1997 Wright in trouble as United pull away The Guardian London p 26 Schmeichel faces racist abuse charge The Independent 21 February 1997 Retrieved 8 November 2013 Schmeichel in deep trouble The Irish Times 21 February 1997 Retrieved 22 August 2020 King Rob 21 February 1997 Schmeichel faces racist abuse charge The Independent Retrieved 22 August 2020 a b Schmeichel is innocent Ferguson The Irish Times 21 February 1997 Retrieved 22 August 2020 Duxbury Nick 22 February 1997 Ferguson stands up for Schmeichel The Independent Retrieved 22 August 2020 Whitfield Pete 12 March 1997 Schmeichel escapes race charge The Independent Retrieved 22 August 2020 Peace breaks out in Wright feud The Independent 11 April 1997 Retrieved 22 August 2020 Harris Harry 27 February 1997 Wright to end feud The Mirror London pp 40 44 Neville 2011 p 98 Wenger incurs the wrath of Ferguson The Independent London 6 April 1997 Retrieved 22 August 2017 Moore Glenn 2 March 1998 Now United can focus on Europe The Independent London Retrieved 23 August 2017 Hayward Paul 14 March 1998 Wenger and the last roll of the dice The Guardian London p 40 Bookmakers resume taking bets New Straits Times Kuala Lumpur 13 March 1998 p 16 Overmars keeps title race alive BBC News 14 March 1998 Retrieved 22 August 2017 Holt Oliver 18 May 1998 Overmars provides the driving force The Times p 31 Doyle Paul 7 March 2015 Arsene Wenger still haunted by that Ryan Giggs FA Cup goal in 1999 The Guardian London Retrieved 22 August 2017 Ferguson 2011 p 361 a b Holt Oliver 7 August 1999 The celebrations begun by that goal will never stop The Times pp 36 37 a b c Holt Oliver 15 April 1999 Giggs wonder goal is final thrill The Times p 52 Dickinson Matt 15 April 1999 Ferguson revels in poetic justice of United s win The Times p 48 a b Bevan Chris 22 April 2013 Golden years The tale of Manchester United s 20 titles BBC Sport Retrieved 28 August 2017 a b Manchester United v Arsenal 10 famous matches Eurosport 8 November 2013 Retrieved 24 August 2017 Ferguson to quit Man Utd in 2002 BBC Sport 18 May 2001 Retrieved 24 August 2017 Kempson Russell 18 July 2001 United tried to poach unsettled Vieira says Wenger The Times p 30 Winter Henry 5 February 2002 Ferguson s U turn delights United The Daily Telegraph London Retrieved 24 August 2017 Winter Henry 23 February 2007 Eriksson forced Ferguson into U turn The Daily Telegraph London Retrieved 24 August 2017 Arsenal clinch Double BBC Sport 8 May 2002 Retrieved 1 January 2011 Wenger hails shift of power BBC Sport 9 May 2002 Retrieved 24 August 2017 Sir Alex Ferguson s best quotes The Guardian London 8 May 2013 Retrieved 22 August 2017 Highbury title deadlock BBC Sport 16 April 2003 Retrieved 8 November 2013 a b c Man Utd win Community Shield BBC Sport 10 August 2003 Retrieved 23 January 2011 Campbell charge deepens the rift The Guardian London 20 August 2003 Retrieved 23 January 2011 a b McCarra Kevin 22 September 2003 Title rivals are reduced to spiteful stalemate The Guardian London Retrieved 28 August 2017 a b Eight charged after bust up BBC Sport 24 September 2003 Retrieved 2 July 2013 Arsenal players banned BBC Sport 30 October 2003 Retrieved 23 August 2017 Arsenal 1 1 Man Utd BBC Sport 28 March 2004 Retrieved 28 August 2017 Moore Glenn 29 March 2004 Saha takes shine from Arsenal s record The Independent Retrieved 29 August 2020 Lawrence Amy 4 April 2004 United finally show mettle as Scholes delivers knockout blow The Observer London Retrieved 24 August 2017 Community Shield on MOTD BBC Sport 21 July 2004 Retrieved 23 August 2017 Winter Henry 9 August 2004 Arsenal show there is life beyond Vieira The Daily Telegraph London Retrieved 23 August 2017 Taylor Daniel 25 October 2004 Soup thrown at Ferguson in tunnel fracas The Guardian London Retrieved 23 August 2017 Thomas Russell 18 October 2004 Wenger draws on fountain of Arsenal youth The Guardian London Retrieved 24 August 2017 a b Wilson Paul 17 October 2004 Fergie Arsenal a mob who get away with murder The Observer London Retrieved 23 August 2017 Sanghera Mandeep 25 October 2004 Did Riley get the big calls right BBC Sport Retrieved 30 August 2017 Bartram Steve 2 February 2010 OT100 83 Invincibles beaten Manchester United Archived from the original on 22 January 2014 Retrieved 24 August 2017 Wenger steps up row with Ferguson BBC Sport 17 January 2005 Retrieved 27 August 2015 Kay Oliver 26 October 2004 FA aiming to shed light on what happened at end of the tunnel The Times Retrieved 27 August 2015 subscription required a b c Man Utd 1 0 Arsenal BBC Sport 1 December 2004 Retrieved 19 May 2012 Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira fight in tunnel at Highbury YouTube Irvine Ferris Archived from the original on 15 November 2021 Retrieved 15 February 2021 Keane told Vieira pick on me The Observer London 1 February 2005 Retrieved 24 August 2017 Arsenal 2 4 Man Utd BBC Sport 1 February 2005 Retrieved 8 November 2013 Arsenal 0 0 Man Utd aet BBC Sport 21 May 2005 Retrieved 24 August 2017 Lawrence Amy 22 May 2005 Vieira holds his nerve to claim historic penalty prize for Arsenal The Observer London Retrieved 24 August 2017 Wenger fears decade of Chelsea dominance Wales Online Cardiff 20 May 2005 Retrieved 28 August 2017 Chelsea now look to be the third force if not the first one at the moment and that will make it more interesting Hughes Ian 2 November 2007 Rebuilt rivals set for battle BBC Sport Retrieved 28 August 2017 Williams Richard 2 January 2007 Ferguson feeds critics a slice of humble pie and it tastes good The Guardian London Retrieved 28 August 2017 a b Fynn Alex Whitcher Kevin 31 August 2008 Young guns The Observer London Retrieved 28 August 2017 McNulty Phil 17 May 2014 Arsenal 3 2 Hull City BBC Sport Retrieved 28 August 2017 Jackson Jamie 4 November 2007 Last gasp Gallas does level best for Gunners The Observer London Retrieved 24 August 2017 United were a different class against Arsenal s children says Evra The Guardian London 6 May 2009 Retrieved 24 August 2017 Taylor Daniel 6 May 2009 This was my worst night ever admits Wenger as Arsenal crash out The Guardian Retrieved 29 August 2020 Hytner David 16 May 2009 Negative Arsenal fans make me feel like a murderer says Arsene Wenger The Guardian Retrieved 29 August 2020 Wilson Paul 16 May 2009 United retain Premier League crown after goalless finale at Old Trafford The Guardian Retrieved 29 August 2020 Hayward Paul 17 May 2009 Triumphant Sir Alex still defies the final whistle The Guardian Retrieved 29 August 2020 McNulty Phil 18 May 2009 Man Utd 0 0 Arsenal BBC Retrieved 29 August 2020 McNulty Phil 29 August 2009 Man Utd 2 1 Arsenal BBC Retrieved 29 August 2020 Diaby gaffe gifts United win Sky Sports 29 August 2009 Retrieved 29 August 2020 Wenger to get sending off apology BBC 30 August 2009 Retrieved 29 August 2020 Taylor Daniel 3 September 2009 Manchester United asks fans to help end vile chants aimed at Arsene Wenger The Guardian Retrieved 29 August 2020 Taylor Daniel 9 December 2010 Sir Alex Ferguson calls for end to sick chants aimed at Arsene Wenger The Guardian London Retrieved 9 December 2010 McCarra Kevin 1 May 2011 Arsenal beat Manchester United to breathe new life into title race The Guardian London Retrieved 24 August 2017 McNulty Phil 1 May 2011 Man Utd 4 2 Blackpool BBC Sport Retrieved 28 August 2017 Record Scorelines Arsenal FC Retrieved 30 July 2012 McNulty Phil 28 August 2011 Arsene Wenger hurt by Arsenal 8 2 defeat at Man Utd BBC Sport Retrieved 24 August 2017 Hafez Shamoon 1 November 2012 Man Utd v Arsenal Robin van Persie brave to move Silvestre BBC Sport Retrieved 23 October 2014 Adam Marshall 27 November 2012 Sir Alex Van Persie signing evoked memories Manchester United Retrieved 28 August 2017 Arsenal v Manchester United Van Persie s guard of honour BBC Sport 28 April 2013 Retrieved 24 August 2017 Patterson Scott Adams Tom 17 November 2016 United vs Arsenal rivalry renewed as Wenger seeks to end Mourinho curse ESPN Retrieved 28 August 2017 Taylor Daniel 7 May 2017 Arsene Wenger s decline drains rivalry with Jose Mourinho of poison The Guardian London Retrieved 28 August 2017 Monreal thinks he s at a christening BBC Sport 7 May 2017 Retrieved 24 August 2017 Arsenal v Man Utd set to be Premier League s first billion pound game Eurosport 1 December 2017 Retrieved 2 December 2017 Smyth Rob 19 April 2018 When Arsene Wenger and Alex Ferguson fought bitterly to be top dog The Guardian Retrieved 27 August 2020 Dollard Rory 29 April 2018 I always did really respect the man Alex Ferguson leads tributes to Arsene Wenger at Old Trafford Irish Independent Retrieved 27 August 2020 Critchley Mark 29 April 2018 Arsene Wenger s last visit to Old Trafford ended in fitting style with a cruel yet predictable defeat Irish Independent Retrieved 27 August 2020 Holt Oliver 7 May 1997 Rivals bestow new title upon United The Times p 48 Full Arsenal league record from 1893 94 to 2005 06 Arseweb com Retrieved 20 August 2017 a b c Manson 2005 p 89 Wenger in the words of others FIFA com 21 March 2014 Archived from the original on 26 August 2016 Retrieved 15 August 2016 Lawrence Amy 1 October 2006 French lessons How Wenger changed English football The Observer London Retrieved 25 March 2014 a b c Arsene Wenger interview The full transcript of Matthew Syed s interview a b The Wenger and Ferguson diaries BBC Sport 23 January 2005 Retrieved 15 August 2016 Lawton James 17 January 2005 Ferguson s explosive attack lights Wenger s touch paper The Independent London Retrieved 15 August 2016 Ley John 1 February 2005 The bickering years The Daily Telegraph London Retrieved 25 March 2014 a b Wilson Jeremy 22 October 2013 Arsene Wenger rift revealed in Alex Ferguson book The Daily Telegraph London Retrieved 25 March 2014 Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger their bitter football rivalry in words The Daily Telegraph London 28 August 2009 Retrieved 25 March 2014 The war of words Sky Sports 5 May 2009 Retrieved 15 August 2016 Crick 2003 p 585 a b Stevenson Jonathan 20 October 2004 All in the mind BBC Sport Retrieved 25 March 2014 Williams Richard 28 May 2009 Barcelona s triumph holds hope for Arsene Wenger s brand of football The Guardian London Retrieved 28 June 2013 Benammar Emily 23 February 2009 Arsenal lack balance in transfer dealings says Manchester United s Alex Ferguson The Daily Telegraph London Retrieved 25 March 2014 Alan Richard 8 March 1998 TV s Football Dinners The Observer London p B11 The FA Cup 2014 15 Man United v Arsenal BBC Retrieved 17 August 2016 Magic of the Cup Manchester United complete decade of televised FA Cup ties The Observer London 17 January 2015 Retrieved 17 August 2016 Gray 2005 p 254 Rookwood Dan 9 May 2003 Richard Keys The Guardian Retrieved 17 August 2016 Wells Matt 25 April 2003 Niche TV overtakes big five in ratings battle The Guardian London p 7 A history of the FA Cup The Football Association Retrieved 17 August 2016 Sky 20 years on BSkyB 2009 Archived from the original on 30 September 2015 Retrieved 17 August 2016 Arsenal v Manchester United broadcast live in 3D on Sky Sports The Daily Telegraph London 31 January 2010 Retrieved 17 August 2016 a b Fletcher Paul 18 January 2007 Singer Gray in commentary box BBC Sport Retrieved 17 August 2016 Keane and Viera Best of Enemies ITV4 ITV Press Office 9 December 2013 Retrieved 28 August 2017 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Arsenal s Head to head comparison with Manchester United Statto Organisation Archived from the original on 14 September 2016 Retrieved 20 August 2017 Honours Arsenal FC Retrieved 28 February 2015 Trophy Room Manchester United Retrieved 26 February 2023 Manchester United Football Club Match Record and Head to Head Stats v Arsenal www mufcinfo com Retrieved 22 January 2023 Manchester United football club record v Arsenal 11v11 com Retrieved 22 January 2023 We could have won 4 0 says disappointed Patrice Evra The Guardian London 30 April 2009 Retrieved 21 August 2017 Who is Liverpool FC s goalscoring nemesis Liverpool Echo 15 July 2016 Retrieved 28 August 2017 Rooney has scored 14 goals in total against Arsenal his first two as an Everton player Ryan Giggs StretfordEnd co uk Retrieved 28 August 2017 Slater Chris 4 June 2014 Grounds for celebration Anniversary of City and United s historic stadium share deal Manchester Evening News Retrieved 24 November 2020 Further reading EditMurray Scott 2 October 2015 A brief guide to the history behind Manchester United and Arsenal s rivalry The Guardian Retrieved 28 August 2017 External links EditClassic Football Arsenal Manchester United at FIFA com List of results between Manchester United and Arsenal at 11v11 com Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Arsenal F C Manchester United F C rivalry amp oldid 1143133638, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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