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The growth of the rivalry during the 1990s attracted the attention of broadcasters and has led to fixtures being rescheduled from the [[English football on television#3pm .22Blackout.22|3pm blackout period]] to primetime viewing in the United Kingdom. League matches are often broadcast on [[Sky Sports]] – once as early as 11:15am,<ref>{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Alan |title=TV's Football Dinners |page=B11 |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=8 March 1998}}</ref> while cup games have aired on mainstream channels, [[BBC One]] and [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The FA Cup, 2014–15, Man United v Arsenal |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b055mszt |publisher=BBC |accessdate=17 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Magic of the Cup? Manchester United complete decade of televised FA Cup ties |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jan/17/manchester-united-cambridge-fa-cup |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=17 January 2015 |accessdate=17 August 2016}}</ref> At the height of the rivalry, the games on Sky had been billed as title deciders, and play was summarised by [[Martin Tyler]] and [[Andy Gray (footballer, born 1955)|Andy Gray]].{{sfn|Gray|2005|p=254}} The April 2003 match at Highbury, advertised as "Face Off",<ref>{{cite news |first=Dan |last=Rookwood |title=Richard Keys |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/may/09/newsstory.sport |website=theguardian.com |date=9 May 2003 |accessdate=17 August 2016}}</ref> was watched by a British audience of 3.4&nbsp;million,<ref>{{cite news |first=Matt |last=Wells |title=Niche TV overtakes big five in ratings battle |page=7 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=25 April 2003}}</ref> while the 2005 Cup final was watched by more than 480&nbsp;million viewers worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |title=A history of the FA Cup |url=http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/More/History |publisher=The Football Association |accessdate=17 August 2016}}</ref>
The growth of the rivalry during the 1990s attracted the attention of broadcasters and has led to fixtures being rescheduled from the [[English football on television#3pm .22Blackout.22|3pm blackout period]] to primetime viewing in the United Kingdom. League matches are often broadcast on [[Sky Sports]] – once as early as 11:15am,<ref>{{cite news |first=Richard |last=Alan |title=TV's Football Dinners |page=B11 |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=8 March 1998}}</ref> while cup games have aired on mainstream channels, [[BBC One]] and [[ITV (TV channel)|ITV]].<ref>{{cite web |title=The FA Cup, 2014–15, Man United v Arsenal |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b055mszt |publisher=BBC |accessdate=17 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Magic of the Cup? Manchester United complete decade of televised FA Cup ties |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jan/17/manchester-united-cambridge-fa-cup |newspaper=The Observer |location=London |date=17 January 2015 |accessdate=17 August 2016}}</ref> At the height of the rivalry, the games on Sky had been billed as title deciders, and play was summarised by [[Martin Tyler]] and [[Andy Gray (footballer, born 1955)|Andy Gray]].{{sfn|Gray|2005|p=254}} The April 2003 match at Highbury, advertised as "Face Off",<ref>{{cite news |first=Dan |last=Rookwood |title=Richard Keys |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/may/09/newsstory.sport |website=theguardian.com |date=9 May 2003 |accessdate=17 August 2016}}</ref> was watched by a British audience of 3.4&nbsp;million,<ref>{{cite news |first=Matt |last=Wells |title=Niche TV overtakes big five in ratings battle |page=7 |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=25 April 2003}}</ref> while the 2005 Cup final was watched by more than 480&nbsp;million viewers worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |title=A history of the FA Cup |url=http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/More/History |publisher=The Football Association |accessdate=17 August 2016}}</ref>


In August 1999, the two sides participated in the world's first [[Sky Sports Active|interactive]] football match,<ref>{{cite web |title=Sky: 20 years on&nbsp;... |url=http://corporate.sky.com/documents/pdf/publications/sky_20 |publisher=BSkyB |format=PDF |year=2009 |accessdate=17 August 2016}}</ref> and 11 years later featured in the world's first 3D TV sports broadcast – both events trialled by Sky.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/7121293/Arsenal-v-Manchester-United-broadcast-live-in-3D-on-Sky-Sports.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |title=Arsenal v Manchester United broadcast live in 3D on Sky Sports | date=31 January 2010 |accessdate=17 August 2016}}</ref> To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the first radio football commentary, the BBC reintroduced its "grid system" to help listeners visualise the action between Arsenal and Manchester United in January 2007.<ref name="radio">{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Fletcher |title=Singer Gray in commentary box |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6266771.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 January 2007 |accessdate=17 August 2016}}</ref> Musician [[David Gray (musician)|David Gray]] was enlisted as guest summariser, with [[John Murray (sports broadcaster)|John Murray]] describing the action and [[James Alexander Gordon]] calling out the grid numbers to explain where the ball was.<ref name="radio"/>
In August 1999, the two sides participated in the world's first [[Sky Sports Active|interactive]] football match,<ref>{{cite web |title=Sky: 20 years on&nbsp;... |url=http://corporate.sky.com/documents/pdf/publications/sky_20 |publisher=BSkyB |format=PDF |year=2009 |accessdate=17 August 2016 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930001233/https://corporate.sky.com/documents/pdf/publications/sky_20 |archivedate=30 September 2015 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> and 11 years later featured in the world's first 3D TV sports broadcast – both events trialled by Sky.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/7121293/Arsenal-v-Manchester-United-broadcast-live-in-3D-on-Sky-Sports.html |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |title=Arsenal v Manchester United broadcast live in 3D on Sky Sports | date=31 January 2010 |accessdate=17 August 2016}}</ref> To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the first radio football commentary, the BBC reintroduced its "grid system" to help listeners visualise the action between Arsenal and Manchester United in January 2007.<ref name="radio">{{cite news |first=Paul |last=Fletcher |title=Singer Gray in commentary box |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6266771.stm |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 January 2007 |accessdate=17 August 2016}}</ref> Musician [[David Gray (musician)|David Gray]] was enlisted as guest summariser, with [[John Murray (sports broadcaster)|John Murray]] describing the action and [[James Alexander Gordon]] calling out the grid numbers to explain where the ball was.<ref name="radio"/>


The rivalry was explored in an [[ITV4]] special, ''Keane & Vieira: Best of Enemies'', first broadcast in December 2013. The documentary saw the former captains discussing about their relationship, views on their respective managers and what they thought of each other.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep1week50/keane-and-vieira-best-enemies |publisher=ITV Press Office |title=Keane and Viera Best of Enemies ITV4 |date=9 December 2013 |accessdate=28 August 2017}}</ref>
The rivalry was explored in an [[ITV4]] special, ''Keane & Vieira: Best of Enemies'', first broadcast in December 2013. The documentary saw the former captains discussing about their relationship, views on their respective managers and what they thought of each other.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.itv.com/presscentre/ep1week50/keane-and-vieira-best-enemies |publisher=ITV Press Office |title=Keane and Viera Best of Enemies ITV4 |date=9 December 2013 |accessdate=28 August 2017}}</ref>

Revision as of 07:40, 4 October 2017

Arsenal F.C. v Manchester United F.C.
TeamsArsenal
Manchester United
First meeting13 October 1894
Newton Heath 3–3 Woolwich Arsenal
Latest meetingArsenal 2–0 Manchester United
Premier League
(7 May 2017)
Next meetingArsenal v Manchester United
Premier League
(2 December 2017)
StadiumsEmirates Stadium (Arsenal)
Old Trafford (Manchester United)
Statistics
Meetings total226
Most winsManchester United (94)
Most player appearancesRyan Giggs (50)
Top scorerWayne Rooney (12)
All-time seriesArsenal: 82
Drawn: 50
Manchester United: 94
Largest victoryManchester United 8–2 Arsenal
(28 August 2011)

The rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United is a notable one in English football as both clubs are recognised for having great history and traditions.[1] Although the two clubs have frequently been in the same division as each other since 1919, the rivalry was instigated in 1990, when a brawl resulted in both clubs having points deductions in the Football League First Division.

Many of the clashes between the two teams in the late 1990s and early 2000s have been due to the teams being fierce rivals in the Premier League and FA Cup. During this period, there was enmity between the two longest serving managers in Premier League history, Arsenal's Arsène Wenger (1996–present) and United's Sir Alex Ferguson (1986–2013), and their former club captains Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane.[2][3] Both managers spurred each other on for greater success,[4] and the contests often involved on-field trouble – seven red cards were shown in matches between February 1997 to February 2005.[5] The league fixture in September 2003 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, which led to more disorder, this time in the tunnel.

The rivalry under Ferguson and Wenger is considered to have come to an natural end at the 2005 FA Cup Final, given the London club then underwent a period of transitional change. By 2008 former Arsenal player Lee Dixon noted that the rivalry had diminished somewhat,[6] while Ferguson himself stated the two teams have cooled from those previously "heated" exchanges.[1]

As of May 2017, Arsenal and Manchester United have played each other 226 times competitively; United have won 94 to Arsenal's 82, and 50 have ended in a draw. Wayne Rooney has scored the most goals in the fixture with 12, while Ryan Giggs has made the highest number of appearances with 50. Several players have featured for both clubs at different stages of their career, including Andy Cole, Robin van Persie, Danny Welbeck and former manager George Graham.

History

Origins

A particularly memorable match between the two sides came on 1 February 1958, when they met in a league fixture at Highbury.[7] It was the last league game that United played before the Munich air disaster five days later, which claimed the lives of eight of their players and saw two other players injured to such an extent that they never played again.[7] United won the game 5–4, with goals from Tommy Taylor (twice), Duncan Edwards, Bobby Charlton and Dennis Viollet.[7] Five of the United players who would lose their lives as a result of crash took to the field in the game – captain and full-back Roger Byrne, right-half Eddie Colman, centre-half Mark Jones, left-half Edwards and centre-forward Taylor.[7]

Another high-profile clash came more than 20 years later, in the final of the FA Cup on 12 May 1979.[8] A capacity crowd saw Arsenal take a 2–0 lead in the first half thanks to goals from Brian Talbot and Frank Stapleton, and with just five minutes left on the clock their lead was still intact.[8] Then, in the 86th minute, Gordon McQueen pulled a goal back for United, and two minutes later they equalised with a goal from Sammy McIlroy.[8] However, barely a minute after United equalised, Arsenal's Alan Sunderland scored an 89th-minute goal to win the cup 3–2 for Arsenal.[9]

Although Arsenal and Manchester United had previously contested many significant matches, Sir Alex Ferguson believed the rivalry started in January 1987 when David Rocastle was sent off for retaliating against a foul on Norman Whiteside.[10] It is, however, generally perceived to have begun in October 1990, when a brawl between both sides at Old Trafford resulted in both clubs being docked points in the 1990–91 First Division.[11] The two clubs fined several of their players, and in Arsenal's case, their manager too. Arsenal and United next faced each other at Highbury a little over a month later in the Football League Cup fourth round.[12] United won the tie 6–2, with 19-year-old winger Lee Sharpe scoring a hat-trick.[12]

1996–2003

Gary Neville described Arsenal's 1998 side as "experienced and strong, both mentally and physically."[13]

The rivalry intensified following the arrival of Arsène Wenger in October 1996.[14] A league match between the two sides in February 1997 was marred by an incident between Arsenal's Ian Wright and United's Peter Schmeichel; the striker challenged for the ball with both feet and caught the goalkeeper with his studs.[15] A confrontation ensued and police stepped in to keep the players apart after the final whistle.[16] Wright's behaviour was scrutinised at a hearing, where he complained he was subject to racial abuse by Schmeichel, at which point the FA intervened and met with representatives of both clubs.[15] In April 1997, Wright and Schmeichel settled their differences, but the managers' animosity towards each other started to become apparent.[17] Wenger had advised against the Premier League extending the season to ease Manchester United's fixture congestion, to which Ferguson publicly retorted: "Maybe he should concentrate on Ian Wright's tackles rather than Manchester United. He's at a big club, well Arsenal used to be a big club, and maybe next year he could be in the same situation. I wonder what [h]is story will be then."[18]

United had won four of the first five editions of the newly-branded league, and were on course to continue their domination after opening up a sizeable lead in February 1998.[19] Injuries and poor results however destabilised the team, and by the time Arsenal visited Old Trafford in March, a title race was looking probable.[20] Wenger was bullish of his team's chances: "I told you last week that the race was not over when the bookmakers stopped betting. Surprise, surprise, they have started taking money again."[21] A goal from Marc Overmars set Arsenal on the way to victory, which put them six points behind with three games in hand.[22] They eventually won the league, and secured the double by beating Newcastle United in the Cup final.[23]

"It was a trauma for us. I can still hear the shouts of their team having won, they couldn’t believe it because they were down to 10 men. And I think that put them on a wave of euphoria and then they won the title – just."

—Arsène Wenger reflecting on the FA Cup semi-final replay[24]

Arsenal began the 1998–99 season with a 3–0 win over United in the Charity Shield; Ferguson was unconcerned by the result given its pre-season status, but losing to the champions a month later by the same scoreline was, in his words, "a lot less tolerable."[25] Both clubs again vied for domestic honours; United this time pipped Arsenal by a point to regain the title.[26] They also met in the FA Cup semi-final, which was replayed after the original game ended goalless.[27] David Beckham and Dennis Bergkamp scored for their respective clubs either side of half time, Roy Keane was dismissed, and the holders late on were awarded a penalty.[27] Schmeichel saved Bergkamp's attempt and the tie went into extra time. Ryan Giggs memorably scored the winner, picking up possession on the halfway line and dribbling past the entire Arsenal back line before shooting past David Seaman.[27] "A match that had everything finished with a pitch invasion, sporadic fighting and David Beckham carried shoulder-high from the field" wrote Matt Dickinson in The Times.[28] United went on to complete the treble, winning the UEFA Champions League.[26]

The rivalry continued into the new millennium, though Manchester United's domestic grip tightened. They finished 18 points clear of Arsenal in 1999–2000 and completed a hat-trick of titles the following season. Any indication United could be caught faded once Ferguson's team trounced Arsenal 6–1 at Old Trafford in February 2001.[29] Dwight Yorke scored a hat-trick, on a day Wenger fielded a relatively inexperienced centre-back pairing of Gilles Grimandi and Igors Stepanovs.[29] At the end of the campaign, Ferguson announced his decision to retire.[30] He reportedly sanctioned a bid to sign midfielder Patrick Vieira, who was upset at Arsenal's transfer inactivity. The transfer never came through; Wenger blamed his rivals for "...approach[ing] to Patrick without contacting us, and that does not really respect the rules."[31] United made an indifferent start to the league campaign, and by February 2002, Ferguson went back on his retirement plan on the advice of his family.[32][33] Arsenal hit their stride as the 2001–02 season came to a close, winning the double for the second time in four years.[34] The championship was decided at Old Trafford in the penultimate game of the season; Wenger described his team's 1–0 win as a "shift of power."[35]

"It's getting tickly now – squeaky-bum time, I call it."

—Sir Alex Ferguson on the title race, 2003[36]

United again won the title back in 2002–03, when it looked as though Arsenal would retain it. A late-season encounter between the teams ended in controversial circumstances after the match officials allowed Thierry Henry's second goal to stand despite the player being offside and Sol Campbell was sent off for an elbow on Ole Gunnar Solskjær in a 2–2 draw.[37] Arsenal had beaten United on the way to FA Cup success and both teams contested the 2003 FA Community Shield at the start of the 2003–04 season. In a hotly-contested match, Phil Neville was booked in the first minute for a challenge on Vieira and a minute later, Ashley Cole received a booking for fouling Solskjær.[38] Yellow cards were also given to Quinton Fortune and Paul Scholes for United and Vieira for Arsenal.[38] Substitute Francis Jeffers was shown a straight red for a kick on Phil Neville and, despite originally going unpunished, Campbell was later given a three-match ban by the FA for kicking out at Eric Djemba-Djemba.[39] The game finished 1–1 after 90 minutes and United eventually won the Shield 4–3 on penalties.[38]

2003–04: Brawl and Cup semi-final meeting

See also: Battle of Old Trafford
Old Trafford was the setting for another brawl between the two sides.

The rivalry escalated in September 2003, when Arsenal travelled to Old Trafford. In the match Vieira was shown a second yellow card for his part in an altercation with striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, and during stoppage time, defender Martin Keown brought down Diego Forlán in the Arsenal penalty area. United were awarded a penalty and Van Nistelrooy stepped up to take it, but his shot rebounded off the crossbar.[40] This was followed by scenes of jubilation from the Arsenal players, who confronted Van Nistelrooy after his miss.[40] The resulting scuffle led to another fracas after the final whistle, which ended up with four players from both sides being given yellow cards.[40] The FA took action, later charging six of Arsenal's players (Jens Lehmann, Ray Parlour, Lauren, Cole, Keown and Vieira) with improper conduct.[41] The club was fined £175,000, the largest ever given to a club by the FA at the time.[41] Lauren received a four-game ban, whereas Vieira and Parlour were given one-match suspensions.[42]

The next game between these two clubs was held at Highbury in March 2004, again ending in a draw.[43] Ferguson's side then knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park the following weekend; United supporters at the ground led a chorus of "Where's your Treble gone?" to their rivals.[44] United went on to win the FA Cup, while Arsenal regained the title without losing a league game. They faced each other in the 2004 FA Community Shield and Arsenal won the match 3–1.[45]

2004–05: Unbeaten run ends, tunnel fracas

See also: Battle of the Buffet
Arsène Wenger was highly critical of Mike Riley's performance, suggesting the referee was biased towards the home side.[46]

By the time Arsenal next played Manchester United, the club had extended its unbeaten league run to 49 games.[47] United stood in sixth place in the table, 11 points behind Arsenal and were intent on ending their rivals' undefeated streak.[48] Ferguson in his press conference described Arsenal's conduct in the equivalent fixture a year ago as "...the worst thing I've seen in this sport. No wonder they were so delighted at the verdicts."[48]

The October 2004 league match, staged at Old Trafford, was blighted by a number of fouls, overlooked by referee Mike Riley, including striker Van Nistelrooy's studs-up challenge on Cole.[49] Arsenal dictated much of the play, but as the game headed towards the finish, United threatened. The home side were awarded a penalty when Wayne Rooney was adjudged to have been fouled in the area by Campbell. Van Nistelrooy scored and late in the game Rooney scored to give United a 2–0 win.[50] Tempers flared in the tunnel afterwards; Wenger confronted Van Nistelrooy for his tackle on Cole, but Ferguson intervened and told him to leave his players alone.[51] Pizza was thrown at Ferguson by an Arsenal player, which forced him to change into the club tracksuit in order to carry out his television duties. An investigation into "Pizzagate" never came around as both clubs kept silent.[52]

The clubs met again five weeks later in the League Cup quarter-finals at Old Trafford and despite both sides fielding weakened teams, the match was not short of drama.[53] David Bellion gave United the lead in just 19 seconds, but tempers boiled over in the second half; a late tackle by Robin van Persie on Kieran Richardson resulted in a fracas between both sets of players, which concluded with both protagonists getting booked by referee Mark Halsey.[53] The game finished 1–0.[53] In the reverse league fixture, club captains Keane and Vieira had to be separated in the tunnel before the match by referee Graham Poll. Keane accused the Arsenal midfielder of intimidating his teammate Gary Neville, telling the press afterwards: "I said, 'Come and have a go at me'. Simple as that. If he wants to intimidate some of my team-mates then let's have a go at some of the other players. I think Gary Neville's an easy target. I wasn't having it."[54] Vieira gave Arsenal the lead in the eighth minute of the match but United ran out 4–2 winners.[55]

In May 2005, Arsenal and United contested the 124th FA Cup Final. It was the first time in the competition's history that the final was decided on a penalty shoot-out. Arsenal beat United 5–4, following a goalless draw after extra time.[56] Arsenal forward José Antonio Reyes became the second player in Cup Final history to be sent off, following his second yellow card near the end of extra time.[57]

2005–present

Chelsea's emergence as title challengers put an end to Arsenal and Manchester United's domestic duopoly.[58] The London club won back-to-back league titles in 2004–05 and 2005–06 under José Mourinho, at a time when Arsenal and United underwent a period of transition.[59] Vieira and Keane had left their respective clubs by the end of 2005, while Ferguson came under intense scrutiny over his management.[60] Nevertheless, he guided his team to Premier League success in 2006–07, and won a further four league titles.[61] At Arsenal, Wenger oversaw the club's relocation to the Emirates Stadium and made the decision to prioritise it over strengthening the squad.[62] The club sold several experienced players, replenishing them with younger talent.[62] Though Wenger solidified Arsenal's Champions League status, the 2005 Cup win was their last piece of silverware until 2014.[63]

Robin van Persie about to take a penalty against his former side, April 2013

Though the rivalry cooled, the two clubs were still involved in engrossing battles; The Guardian's Jamie Jackson wrote after a November 2007 fixture: "For once here was enough spectacle to meet the pre-match hype and convince the millions watching around the world that the Premier League may just have the best footballers who can play the very best stuff."[64] In 2009, the teams met in the semi-finals of the 2008–09 UEFA Champions League, which United won 4–1 on aggregate. United defender Patrice Evra was blunt in his post-match assessment: "It was 11 men against 11 children. We never doubted ourselves. We have much more experience and that's what made the difference."[65]

In December 2010, Ferguson made a personal plea to the United fans to no longer sing a "sick" chant at Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, as those kind of chants from fans were considered an embarrassment to the club.[66] With both teams going for the Premier League title in May 2011, Arsenal won their first game against Manchester United since November 2008, to leave United just three points ahead of Chelsea and six ahead of Arsenal going into the final three games of the season.[67] Nevertheless, United won the league, nine points ahead of Chelsea and 12 points ahead of Arsenal.[68]

In August 2011, Arsenal suffered their heaviest league defeat in 84 years as they lost 8–2 to Manchester United at Old Trafford. Arsenal had not lost a league game by such a margin since 1927 when they lost 7–0 to West Ham United in the old Football League First Division.[69] This was also the first time they had conceded eight goals in a game since 1896, when they lost 8–0 to the now defunct Loughborough in the old Football League Second Division.[70] A year later, striker Robin van Persie joined United, having stated that he would not renew his contract with Arsenal. It was speculated that he would move to a club overseas, but signed for the Manchester club, the first Arsenal player to do so since Viv Anderson in 1987.[71] Ferguson called Wenger to push through a deal when he learnt of the contract situation.[72] Van Persie was instrumental in United's league win of 2012–13 – Ferguson's last, and coincidentally received a guard of honour by his former teammates before United faced Arsenal at the Emirates in April 2013.[73]

The appointment of Mourinho as United manager in 2016 added a new twist to the rivalry, given the previous animosity between him and Wenger.[74] Sports writer Daniel Taylor however argued that Wenger's stagnation hindered any confrontations between the two managers, writing: "Ferguson stopped aiming his barbs at Wenger once it became clear his old enemy was no longer capable of producing title-winning teams and it doesn’t feel like a coincidence that Mourinho also seems indifferent now that Arsenal have dropped even further back."[75] Former midfielder Phil Neville criticised the players for hugging in the tunnel before a league fixture in May 2017, calling the pleasantries a "total nonsense".[76]

Ferguson and Wenger

It was not until Wenger's arrival in October 1996 that Arsenal reemerged as a serious league competitor. By the end of the 1996–97 season, Manchester United amassed their fourth title in five seasons,[77] whereas Arsenal finished the campaign in third – their highest position since the formation of the Premier League in 1992.[78] During the season, Wenger commented on rule changes which permitted an extension to the league calendar: "It's wrong the programme is extended so Manchester United can rest and win everything."[79] His observation irked Ferguson, who replied: "He has no experience of English football. He has come here from Japan, and now he is telling everyone how to organise our football. Unless you have been in the situation and had the experience then he should keep his mouth shut, firmly shut."[80]

Sir Alex Ferguson's relationship with Arsène Wenger turned cordial in later years.

The relationship between both managers was evidently hostile to begin with. Ferguson noted that Wenger was the only manager he came across in the league not to share a drink with after matches – an English football "tradition".[81] In a joint interview with The Times and Daily Mail in 2009, Wenger said his discourtesy was mistaken for mistrust and managers "cannot be completely friendly and open up."[82] When asked if this was the reason he avoided the post-match drink, he replied: "Most of the time, yes. What can you say if you have won? And if you have lost all you want to do is get home and prepare for the next game."[82]

In January 2005, Ferguson and Wenger were embroiled in a new row over what had happened in the tunnel after Pizzagate.[83] Ferguson alleged that Wenger called his players "cheats" and never apologised for his team's behaviour: "It's a disgrace, but I don't expect Wenger to ever apologise, he's that type of person."[83] Wenger then claimed Ferguson was guilty of bringing the game into disrepute; he told reporters that he "will never answer any questions any more about this man," but went further to question the motive of the press: "What I don't understand is that he does what he wants and you are all at his feet."[84] Both managers came under pressure from the Metropolitan Police Service, then Sports Minister Richard Caborn and Premier League chairman Richard Scudamore to put an end to the bickering.[85] Ferguson and Wenger agreed to tone down their words, in an attempt to defuse the rivalry. In later years, Ferguson said Arsenal's defeat "scrambled Arsène’s brain" and caused their relationship to breakdown for almost five years.[86]

The two managers have "exchanged some of football's best and bitterest verbal swipes."[87] In 1997, Ferguson called Wenger a "novice" for complaining about the fixture programme and later said of his linguistic skills: "They say he’s an intelligent man, right? Speaks five languages! I’ve got a 15-year-old boy from the Ivory Coast who speaks five languages!"[88] After Arsenal's defeat to Manchester United in February 1997 – a match marred by a bust up between Wright and Schmeichel, Wenger referred to Ferguson’s interference: "I was surprised to see Ferguson on the pitch because you can only play eleven."[79] When Ferguson asserted that his team played the best football in England during the 2001–02 season, Wenger quipped: "Everyone thinks they have the prettiest wife at home," a subtle remark that Ferguson initially suspected was a taunt at his own wife Cathy.[89]

Such was the media's fascination of both managers' insults towards one another, psychologists were brought in to read and contrast their personalities.[79] John Kramer, a sports psychologist suggested in 2004 that Ferguson and Wenger used their rivalry in order to relax before an important match. To him, Ferguson was "...the past master in terms of creating an environment of keeping his players hungry" by using a persecution complex; Wenger on the other hand diffuses the psychology and would rather "...tell his players they are all superb and will attempt to create an environment where they are able to show off their skills without the rest of it."[90] Kramer concluded that both managers' comments "add[s] to the drama", but was insignificant in the games between the two clubs.[90]

Ferguson in his autobiography said a major turning point in his relationship with Wenger was after the Champions League semi-final of 2009; the Arsenal manager invited his competitor into the dressing room and congratulated him on United's win.[86] Wenger admitted their relationship had become genial since his team stopped competing with Manchester United for trophies.[82] The move to the Emirates Stadium in 2006 is often cited as the reason why, given it coincided with a transitional phase for the club. Several experienced first teamers were displaced in favour of youth and the style of football became shifted more towards ball retention.[91] Ferguson assessed the change in philosophy proved that Wenger did not "like to blend them too much with older players;" he also felt the team lacked a much needed balance between attack and defence.[92]

Television and radio broadcasts

The growth of the rivalry during the 1990s attracted the attention of broadcasters and has led to fixtures being rescheduled from the 3pm blackout period to primetime viewing in the United Kingdom. League matches are often broadcast on Sky Sports – once as early as 11:15am,[93] while cup games have aired on mainstream channels, BBC One and ITV.[94][95] At the height of the rivalry, the games on Sky had been billed as title deciders, and play was summarised by Martin Tyler and Andy Gray.[96] The April 2003 match at Highbury, advertised as "Face Off",[97] was watched by a British audience of 3.4 million,[98] while the 2005 Cup final was watched by more than 480 million viewers worldwide.[99]

In August 1999, the two sides participated in the world's first interactive football match,[100] and 11 years later featured in the world's first 3D TV sports broadcast – both events trialled by Sky.[101] To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the first radio football commentary, the BBC reintroduced its "grid system" to help listeners visualise the action between Arsenal and Manchester United in January 2007.[102] Musician David Gray was enlisted as guest summariser, with John Murray describing the action and James Alexander Gordon calling out the grid numbers to explain where the ball was.[102]

The rivalry was explored in an ITV4 special, Keane & Vieira: Best of Enemies, first broadcast in December 2013. The documentary saw the former captains discussing about their relationship, views on their respective managers and what they thought of each other.[103]

Crossing the divide

Danny Welbeck moved from Manchester United to Arsenal in September 2014.

Arsenal, then Manchester United

Name Pos. Arsenal Manchester United
Scotland David Herd FW 1954–1961 1961–1968
Scotland Ian Ure MF 1963–1969 1969–1971
Scotland George Graham FW 1966–1972 1972–1974
Republic of Ireland Frank Stapleton FW 1971–1981 1981–1987
England Viv Anderson DF 1984–1987 1987–1991
England Andy Cole FW 1989–1992 1995–2001
England Matt Wicks DF 1994–1995 1995–1996
Netherlands Robin van Persie FW 2004–2012 2012–2015

Note: Matthew Wicks never played a senior game for either team

Manchester United, then Arsenal

Name Pos. Manchester United Arsenal
Republic of Ireland Paddy Sloan FW 1937–1939 1946–1948
England Jimmy Rimmer GK 1965–1974 1974–1977
England Brian Kidd FW 1967–1974 1974–1976
Scotland Jim Leighton GK 1988–1991 1991
England David Platt MF 1982–1985 1995–1998
England Matt Wicks DF 1995–1996 1996–1998
France Mikaël Silvestre DF 1999–2008 2008–2010
England Danny Welbeck FW 2008–2014 2014–

Note: David Platt never played a senior game for United.

Statistics

All figures are correct as of the match played on 6 August 2017.[104][105][106][107]

Honours

  •    † Numbers with this background and symbol are italicised to denote club holds record in the competition.
Team League FA Cup League Cup League Centenary Trophy European Cup/
UEFA Champions League 		UEFA Cup/
Europa League 		Inter-Cities Fairs Cup Cup Winners' Cup Community Shield UEFA Super Cup Intercontinental Cup Club World Cup Club total
Arsenal 13 13 † 2 1 † 0 0 1 1 15 0 0 0 46
Manchester United 20 † 12 5 0 3 1 0 1 21 † 1 1 1 66
Total 33 25 7 1 3 1 1 2 35 1 1 1 112

Head-to-head results

Rio Ferdinand and Cesc Fàbregas in discussion with the referee before the first European game between the two sides in April 2009.
Competition Played Arsenal wins Drawn Manchester United wins Arsenal goals Manchester United goals
Football League/Premier League 196 69 46 81 272 297
FA Cup 15 6 2 7 19 19
Football League Cup 6 2 0 4 8 15
Football League Centenary Trophy 1 1 0 0 2 1
FA Community Shield 6 4 2 0 14 7
UEFA Champions League 2 0 0 2 1 4
Total 226 82 50 94 316 343

Records

  • First competitive meeting: Newton Heath 3–3 Woolwich Arsenal, Second Division, 13 October 1894[104]
  • First FA Cup meeting: Manchester United 2–3 Arsenal, fourth round, 10 March 1936[104]
  • First League Cup meeting: Arsenal 3–2 Manchester United, second round, 30 August 1977[104]
  • First European meeting: Manchester United 1–0 Arsenal, UEFA Champions League semi-final, 6 April 2009[108]
  • First away victory for Arsenal: 1–0 vs Manchester United, Second Division, 15 March 1902[104]
  • First away victory for Manchester United: 2–0 vs Arsenal, Second Division, 3 April 1897[104]
  • Highest scoring game: Manchester United 8–2 Arsenal, Premier League, 28 August 2011[104]
  • Largest winning margin (Manchester United): 6 goals – 8–2 vs Arsenal, Premier League, 28 August 2011[104]
  • Largest winning margin (Arsenal): 5 goals – 5–0 vs Manchester United, FA Cup fourth round, 30 January 1937[104]
  • Most consecutive wins (Manchester United): 5, 6 September 1983–24 August 1985[104]
  • Most consecutive wins (Arsenal): 4, 9 November 1997–20 September 1998[104]
  • Longest undefeated run (Manchester United): 9 – 6 wins and 3 draws over 20 November 1954 to 11 October 1958[104]
  • Longest undefeated run (Arsenal): 5 – 4 wins and 1 draw over 5 April 1922 to 28 December 1926[104]
  • Most consecutive draws: 3, 26 September 1981–25 September 1982[104]
  • Most games played against each other in a season: 5, in the 1998–99 and 2004–05 seasons[104]
  • Record goalscorer: Wayne Rooney (12), Manchester United.[109] He scored on his League debut for the club against Arsenal on 24 October 2004.[110]
  • Most appearances: Ryan Giggs (50), Manchester United. He made his final appearance in the fixture as a substitute on 9 November 2013.[111]
  • Highest league attendance: 83,260 at Maine Road, First Division, 17 January 1948[112]

See also

References

General

  • Crick, Michael (2003). The Boss: The Many Sides of Alex Ferguson. London: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 0-7434-2991-5.
  • Gray, Andy (2005). Gray Matters. London: Pan Macmillan. ISBN 0-330-43199-4.
  • Ferguson, Alex (2011). Managing My Life: My Autobiography. London: Hodder & Stoughton. ISBN 1-444-70910-0.
  • Manson, David (2005). Quotations from the Public Comments of Arsene Wenger: Manager, Arsenal. London: Virgin Books. ISBN 0-7535-1056-1.
  • Neville, Gary (2011). Red: My Autobiography. London: Random House. ISBN 0-5930-6559-X.

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Further reading

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