Arsenal v Manchester United

Here’s a comprehensive look at the rich history of the Arsenal vs. Manchester United rivalry ahead of their Premier League clash on Saturday, 24 January 2026, 3 pm at the Emirates:

Overall Head‑to‑Head (All Competitions)

• Total competitive matches played: 244

• Manchester United wins: 99

• Arsenal wins: 90

• Draws: 55

Premier League Only

• Matches played: 212

• United wins: 85

• Arsenal wins: 77

• Draws: 50

• Over the last 10 league meetings, Arsenal have the edge:
  W6–D2–L2, with a +6 goal differential

Historic Highs & Lows

• Largest margin: Manchester United ran riot, winning 8–2 at Old Trafford on 28 August 2011, their joint-heaviest win over Arsenal 3.

• Memorable battles:

  • The “Battle of Old Trafford” in Sept 2003, marked by a melee after a late penalty, earned a hefty club fine

  • Arsenal ended United’s invincibles streak in October 2003, one of six league draws in their fierce encounters

• Most recent fixture (9 March 2025): This was included in the club’s latest recorded data

Rivalry Legacy & Legends

• Origins date back to 13 October 1894 in the Second Division

• Arsène Wenger vs Sir Alex Ferguson (late 1990s–2000s) defined the modern rivalry—sharp exchanges, tunnel confrontations, and title duels

• Key iconic matches:

  • The 1999 FA Cup semi-final, where Ryan Giggs produced a legendary solo goal in extra time en route to United’s Treble .

  • Fab Five brawl in Old Trafford, Oct 1990: it resulted in league point deductions for both clubs.

• Managerial animosity included public barbs—Ferguson told Wenger “keep his mouth shut” amid scheduling disputes.

Streaks & Records

• Arsenal’s longest unbeaten run vs. United: 6 games (2023–2025)

• United’s longest run: 9 unbeaten games (1954–58 & 1991–95)

• Most consecutive league wins: Arsenal 4 (1997–98 & 2023–24), United 5 (1983–85).

• Top scorer in fixture: Wayne Rooney (12 goals overall).

• Most appearances: Ryan Giggs, 50 matches

This fixture is steeped in over 130 years of competitive history, featuring periods of unparalleled intensity (notably the late 1990s to mid-2000s) and iconic showdowns, including the 8–2 rout and Treble-era finals. Recent years have seen Arsenal regain the upper hand, boasting an unbeaten run and a positive record in their past 10 league meetings.