No club football rivalry has captured public interest quite like Arsenal versus Manchester United from the late nineties to the mid-2000s.
For eight consecutive seasons, these two teams held the top two spots in the league. It was unprecedented for two teams to compete at such a high level for so long.
Classic matches featured fierce contests, mind games, brawls, insults, and plenty of drama. This rivalry provided memorable moments over nearly a decade.
Though both clubs have declined since those days, struggling to secure top-four finishes instead of titles, their matches still remind us of that golden era.
The top eight moments of Arsenal and Manchester United’s rivalry:
Arsene Wenger arrives
When Arsene Wenger joined the Premier League in 1996, he was met with skepticism. Who was this French manager from Japan? He would go on to transform English football.
His arrival ruffled feathers, especially those of Alex Ferguson. Wenger questioned why the league should assist United in their title chase, to which Ferguson retorted, “He’s coming here from Japan and telling us how to run our game!”
A personal rivalry between Ian Wright and Peter Schmeichel increased the tension, setting the stage for more heated encounters.
Five of the best players to play for Manchester United and Arsenal
Arsenal close the unclosable gap
In the 1997/98 season, United led the table by 12 points. However, Arsenal managed an incredible comeback, culminating in Marc Overmars’ goal at Old Trafford, securing the league title for Wenger.
Eight of the best Premier League title-clinching goals: Cole, Adams, Aguero
Giggs scores that goal
One of the most significant moments in English football took place in 1999 when Ryan Giggs scored a stunning goal against Arsenal. Moments earlier, Arsenal had a penalty, but Schmeichel’s save allowed United to capitalize.
If Arsenal had converted that penalty, they could have secured another double that season, showcasing how close the competition was.
Five of the best Manchester United vs Arsenal games
Winning the title at Old Trafford
Arsenal experienced both lows and highs against United, including a painful 6-1 defeat but later a comeback when Sylvain Wiltord scored the winning goal to clinch the title at Old Trafford.
Arsenal knock United out of the cup
In 2003, Arsenal’s 2-0 win in the FA Cup was significant for both sides, with Giggs missing an easy goal and Ferguson’s frustration boiling over after the match.
Despite United winning the league that season, the cup was a sweet victory for Arsenal.
Andrei Kanchelskis: The Soviet secret weapon who took the Premier League by surprise
The rivalry reached a boiling point during the goalless draw at Old Trafford in 2003, marked by heated confrontations and near brawls. A controversial penalty awarded to United was missed, raising tensions further.
Though the match ended without goals, Arsenal remained undefeated in the league that season, making history.
Appreciating just how lethal Ruud van Nistelrooy was in his five years at Manchester United
Killing the Invincibles – The Battle of the Buffet
In 2004, another fierce match at Old Trafford ended with Arsenal’s unbeaten streak of 49 games coming to an end. The post-match brawl in the tunnel became notorious for its chaos and absurdity.
The match was remembered for van Nistelrooy’s penalty and the aftermath outside the dressing rooms.
“I’ll see you out there”
A 2005 match at Highbury had its own drama, highlighted by a confrontation between Vieira and Neville. The game shifted back and forth, with Arsenal initially taking the lead but United ultimately winning 3-2.
Though Arsenal triumphed in their next FA Cup encounter, this marked the last major clash between the two before Chelsea became the dominating force.
Read: Five of the best Premier League title races ever
See Also: The most iconic goal celebrations in Premier League history: Cantona, Klinsmann, Fowler
Add Footem.in As your Preferred Source on Google
Follow the latest on Footem WhatsApp Channel
