Manchester United vs Arsenal Feud

Lore & Background

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, leading to more disorder in the tunnel. By 2008, former Arsenal player Lee Dixon noted the rivalry had diminished. Ferguson also stated the meetings had cooled from previous 'heated' exchanges. Other factors for the diminishing importance in the 2010s were the ascendancy of Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

Reader's Guide

Arsenal and Manchester United first played a competitive match in October 1894. As of 25 January 2026, the clubs have faced each other 246 times, with United winning 100 games to Arsenal's 91, and 55 draws. Wayne Rooney scored the most goals in the fixture (12), while Ryan Giggs made the highest number of appearances (50). Several players have featured for both clubs, including Brian Kidd, Andy Cole, David Platt, Robin van Persie, Danny Welbeck, Alexis Sánchez and George Graham.

Did You Know?

• A particularly memorable match came on 1 February 1958, when United won 5–4 at Highbury, five days before the Munich air disaster that claimed the lives of eight United players.
• In the 1979 FA Cup final, Arsenal led 2–0, United equalised in the 86th and 88th minutes, but Alan Sunderland scored in the 89th minute to win 3–2 for Arsenal.
• Sir Alex Ferguson believed the rivalry started in January 1987 when David Rocastle was sent off for retaliating against a foul on Norman Whiteside.
• In October 1990, a brawl at Old Trafford resulted in both clubs being docked points in the 1990–91 First Division.