Arsenal legend Martin Keown sends hilarious message to Ruud van Nistelrooy after Man Utd win

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal’s historical rivalry with Manchester United was a bitter one, and it produced some of the most iconic moments in Premier League history.

Arsene Wenger’s teams would engage in fierce battles against Man United, with Sir Alex Ferguson’s rivalry with the Frenchman adding fuel to the fire.

A lot of focus would always be placed on Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane, with the midfielders often seeing red as the adrenaline of their meetings would reach boiling point.

Man United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy was a hated figure amongst Arsenal fans, but he has now taken charge of the Red Devils on an interim basis.

Arsenal legend Martin Keown had an illustrious history with the Dutchman, and he has now sent him a hilarious message after Van Nistelrooy took charge of his first Man United game.

• READ MORE: Who are The Invincibles? Meet the Arsenal record-breakers who became Premier League legends

Martin Keown recalls Ruud van Nistelrooy rivalry after Man United win

Van Nistelrooy was placed in temporary charge of Man United after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag, and he took charge of his first game as his side thrashed Leicester City to reach the EFL Cup quarter-finals.

The former attacker was pictured jumping during the game, and Keown could not resist having a little dig at him, referencing one of the most memorable battles the pair had.

“Nice to see Ruud jumping around for a change. Think I’ll send him my book to congratulate him. It’s released tomorrow,” Keown posted on X.

Keown’s history with Van Nistelrooy goes back over 20 years, and the pair once engaged in one of the most significant moments in Premier League history.

Martin Keown’s battle with Ruud van Nistelrooy in Arsenal draw at Man Utd

The Battle of Old Trafford is one of the most important games in Arsenal’s history, as it ultimately led to the club’s greatest triumph, the Invincible season.

Arsenal were unbeaten heading into a game against Man United in September 2003, but that looked set to change. Vieira was sent off after an altercation with Van Nistelrooy, which the Arsenal players were furious about, as the Frenchman’s kick did not make contact with the United star.

With the score at 0-0, Keown then fouled Diego Forlan in the penalty area in injury time, and Arsenal were staring down the barrel of defeat.

However, Van Nistelrooy crashed his spot-kick onto the crossbar, and the full-time whistle blew. Arsenal’s players then sprinted over to the striker to goad him, with Keown famously jumping and slamming into his head.

This was one of the peaks of the great rivalry between the two clubs, and Arsenal went on to finish the season unbeaten. Even 21 years later, Keown and Van Nistelrooy will never move past what went on during that day.