Arsenal are preparing to take on Manchester United in a fixture that has provided drama and many classic memories over the years.
The two clubs were the driving forces in English football in the late 90s and early 2000s under the great guidance of Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson.
Robin Van Persie couldn’t choose between Wenger and Ferguson when asked about his favourite manager and the two bosses provided many iconic moments and matches during their rivalry.
Patrick Vieira blamed Gary Neville for an infamous spat with Roy Keane in the Highbury tunnel during 2005 and that is far from the only flashpoint between the two teams.
Arsene Wenger accused Manchester United star of ‘provocation’ during 2003 clash
Manchester United missed a late penalty in 2003 at Old Trafford as the Gunners held on for a 0-0 draw. That only told half the story of the game however as ugly scenes at full time showed the Arsenal players venting their fury at United striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
Martin Keown apologised to Van Nistelrooy for his part in the aftermath of the incident but manager Wenger was furious with the Dutchman in his post match interview.
Wenger stated: “I think Van Nistelrooy doesn’t help frankly, he’s a great player but his attitude is always looking for provocation and diving and he looks a nice boy but on the pitch he isn’t always fair behaviour.”
Vieira had earlier been sent off in the game for kicking out at Van Nistelrooy after the dutchman appeared to provoke the French midfielder with his initial challenge.
The anger from the Arsenal team was directed at Van Nistelrooy at full time after his missed penalty denied United the chance at taking three points from the game.
Van Nistelrooy’s missed penalty helped Arsenal go unbeaten that season
Had the Dutch striker converted that late penalty, history would have been re-written as the Gunners went on to lift the Premier League title that season achieving something remarkable in the process.
Wenger’s side embarked on a 49 game unbeaten run which saw them lift trophy without tasting defeat in a campaign now known as ‘The Invincibles’ season. A gold trophy was made for the club.
Incidents such as these have added fuel to the fire in games between the two rivals, although Mikel Arteta boasts an incredible record v United in recent years.
Arsenal will be looking for their sixth consecutive win over the Red Devils in the league as they prepare for their upcoming clash, Ferguson’s era would not have accepted that.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
