Manchester United vs Arsenal: A rivalry reignited

The bitter rivalry between Manchester United and Arsenal may have cooled down in recent years, but it’s back now and fiercer than ever, with a Premier League title at stake.

Manchester United take on Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday, 12 May at 17:30 live on Showmax Premier League.

As Martin Odégaard and his troops step onto the legendary Old Trafford pitch this Sunday, they are poised for a showdown of epic proportions.

The stakes are higher than ever, with Arsenal’s dreams of a Premier League title hanging in the balance. A single misstep could spell disaster, and they know that only perfection will do.

But standing in their way is a wounded Manchester United, itching for redemption after a humiliating defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace.

Under intense pressure, Erik Ten Hag’s squad is determined to claw their way back up the league table and prove their worth. For both teams, victory is non-negotiable.

The battle that awaits promises to be a clash for the ages, filled with passion, tension, and unrelenting determination.

As the two giants of English football lock horns, the stage is set for a thrilling spectacle that will leave fans on the edge of their seats.

Showmax Premier League takes us on a journey through some of the best clashes of the past between the two clubs, adding to the anticipation for what is sure to be a game to remember.

Manchester United 2, Arsenal 0: 1 February 2005

This match was pivotal not just for its result but for the infamous “Battle of the Buffet” that ensued, marking a peak in the rivalry.

The defeat ended Arsenal’s unbeaten run and shifted the Premier League momentum towards Manchester United, intensifying the rivalry.

It wasn’t so much what occurred on the pitch that day that made headlines, but rather the events that transpired after the final whistle that grabbed headlines.

Arsenal weren’t happy with the defeat, criticising the performance of referee Mike Riley, and tempers boiled over in the tunnel at full-time.

Amid the argument, Fabregas threw a slice of pizza, which hit legendary United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, resulting in the game being called the “Battle of the Buffet”.

Manchester United 0, Arsenal 1: 14 March 1998

In the run-up to Arsenal’s first Premier League title under Arsène Wenger, this victory at Old Trafford was a statement of intent. Marc Overmars scored the only goal with a memorable sprint and finish past Peter Schmeichel.

The win was crucial in Arsenal overtaking Manchester United for the Premier League crown, symbolising a shift in English football power.

Arsenal 3, Manchester United 2: 8 November 1997

An early season clash that set the tone for a heated rivalry, highlighted by the feud between Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira.

The game proved to be a back-and-forth match with Arsenal edging it thanks to a late winner, but the game will most be remembered for the intense midfield battle, particularly between Keane and Viera.
This match not only signalled Arsenal’s title ambitions but also marked the start of one of the most iconic personal rivalries in football.

Manchester United 0, Arsenal 1: 8 May 2002

Arsenal maestro Sylvain Wiltord’s second-half goal was enough to secure victory for Arsenal and the title for the Gunners on United’s turf. Winning the league at the home of their fiercest rivals was a defining moment for Arsenal, etching this match into Premier League history.

Man United 0-0 Arsenal: 21 September 2003

The “Battle of Old Trafford” between Manchester United and Arsenal in 2003 was a fiercely contested match with a 0-0 scoreline. It got labelled The Battle of Old Trafford due to a number of unsavoury incidents in the game, including the retaliatory kick from Patrick Vieira on Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy, which resulted in a second yellow of the afternoon for the Arsenal midfielder and a mass brawl.
Van Nistelrooy later also took a tumble in the Gunners’ penalty area to win a spot-kick which – karma fans, take note – he missed, prompting antagonistic, boggle-eyed celebrations from Martin Keown.

Arsenal 2-4 Manchester United: 26 January 2005

A double from Cristiano Ronaldo helped overturn a 2-1 deficit to Highbury in February ’05, but the match is mainly remembered for the altercation between the two captains, Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane, before the match started.

Having openly disliked each other for years, their row came to a head as they waited in the tunnel, with Keane ending the dispute by telling the Frenchman: “I’ll see you there”, after claiming that the Arsenal captain United players had been bullied.

Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal: 28 August 28 2011

One of the greatest Premier League games of all time was also Arsenal’s biggest defeat since 1896. A Wayne Rooney hat-trick stands out among United’s many goal scorers on arguably the worst day of Arsène Wenger’s tenure. The margin of victory proved not to be big enough, as Manchester City won the title on goal difference thanks to Sergio Aguero’s last-minute winner against QPR.

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