Manchester United
The rivalry that decided Premier League titles in the Wenger and Ferguson years.
Arsenal and Manchester United have shared a division in most seasons since 1919, but their meetings only became a fierce rivalry in the late 1990s and early 2000s, when the two clubs regularly fought each other for the Premier League title and the FA Cup. The managers Arsène Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, and the captains Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane, gave the fixture a personal edge.
Quick Facts
- First competitive match
- October 1894
- Manchester united wins
- 100
- Arsenal wins
- 91
- Draws
- 55
- Most goals in fixture
- Wayne Rooney (12)
- Most appearances
- Ryan Giggs (50)
Lore & Background
The clubs first met in a competitive match in October 1894. Earlier landmarks include United's 5–4 win at Highbury on 1 February 1958, their last league game before the Munich air disaster, and the 1979 FA Cup final. The peak years were also the most bad-tempered: seven red cards were shown in their meetings between February 1997 and February 2005, the September 2003 league match known as the "Battle of Old Trafford" ended in a mêlée, and a season later United ended Arsenal's unbeaten run amid more trouble in the tunnel.
Reader's Guide
By 2008 former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon felt the rivalry had faded, and Ferguson said the meetings had cooled from their earlier heated exchanges. The rise of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City in the 2010s reduced its weight further. Players who have appeared for both clubs include Brian Kidd, Andy Cole, David Platt, Robin van Persie, Danny Welbeck, Alexis Sánchez and George Graham.
Did You Know?
- As of 25 January 2026 the clubs had met 246 times: 100 United wins, 91 Arsenal wins and 55 draws.
- Wayne Rooney has scored the most goals in the fixture (12) and Ryan Giggs has made the most appearances (50).
- Ryan Giggs's extra-time solo goal in the 1998–99 FA Cup semi-final replay sent United on to the Treble.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the key figures?
The managers Arsène Wenger (Arsenal, 1996–2018) and Sir Alex Ferguson (United, 1986–2013), and the captains Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane.
What was the Battle of Old Trafford?
A league match in September 2003 marred by a mêlée started by Arsenal players, who felt Ruud van Nistelrooy had cheated to get Vieira sent off.
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