Arsene Wenger's longstanding rivalry with Jose Mourinho (right) has added a new layer of intrigue to this weekend's clash between Arsenal and Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Arsene Wenger's longstanding rivalry with Jose Mourinho (right) has added a new layer of intrigue to this weekend's clash between Arsenal and Manchester United at Old Trafford.
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The United-Arsenal fixture lost some of its edge after Alex Ferguson's 2013 retirement, but Mourinho's predecessor Louis van Gaal did his best to add drama. The eccentric Dutchman fell to the floor in front of official Mike Dean and Wenger during the February 2016 clash at Old Trafford, mimicking an alleged dive by one of Arsenal's players.
The United-Arsenal fixture lost some of its edge after Alex Ferguson's 2013 retirement, but Mourinho's predecessor Louis van Gaal did his best to add drama. The eccentric Dutchman fell to the floor in front of official Mike Dean and Wenger during the February 2016 clash at Old Trafford, mimicking an alleged dive by one of Arsenal's players.
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Robin van Persie disappointed Arsenal fans when the club's captain made a controversial $37 million move to United in 2012. The Dutch striker then won his first Premier League title, while the London side finished a distant fourth.
Robin van Persie disappointed Arsenal fans when the club's captain made a controversial $37 million move to United in 2012. The Dutch striker then won his first Premier League title, while the London side finished a distant fourth.
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Arsenal's 2011 trip to Old Trafford ended in one of Wenger's most humiliating defeats as United won 8-2, led by Wayne Rooney's sixth career hat-trick for the club.
Arsenal's 2011 trip to Old Trafford ended in one of Wenger's most humiliating defeats as United won 8-2, led by Wayne Rooney's sixth career hat-trick for the club.
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The 2009 clash at Old Trafford created one of the most iconic images of this rivalry. Sent off by referee Mike Dean, Wenger makes his way to the stands behind the dugout. Without an obvious place to go, the Frenchman holds his arms out in Dean's direction, much to the delight of the United fans around him.
The 2009 clash at Old Trafford created one of the most iconic images of this rivalry. Sent off by referee Mike Dean, Wenger makes his way to the stands behind the dugout. Without an obvious place to go, the Frenchman holds his arms out in Dean's direction, much to the delight of the United fans around him.
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A year after his injury-time penalty crashed against the crossbar -- missing the opportunity to end Arsenal's "Invincibles" run in its infancy -- Ruud van Nistelrooy scored from the spot at Old Trafford in October 2004 to halt the Gunners' unbeaten streak at 49 games. On his knees and screaming into a microphone, this was one of the most cathartic goals in Premier League history.
A year after his injury-time penalty crashed against the crossbar -- missing the opportunity to end Arsenal's "Invincibles" run in its infancy -- Ruud van Nistelrooy scored from the spot at Old Trafford in October 2004 to halt the Gunners' unbeaten streak at 49 games. On his knees and screaming into a microphone, this was one of the most cathartic goals in Premier League history.
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The Dutchman's missed penalty came in a match now dubbed "The Battle of Old Trafford." Keown, who had conceded the spot kick, then confronted Van Nistelrooy. Teammates Lauren, Ray Parlour and Ashley Cole joined in -- and the quartet later received hefty fines from the FA.
The Dutchman's missed penalty came in a match now dubbed "The Battle of Old Trafford." Keown, who had conceded the spot kick, then confronted Van Nistelrooy. Teammates Lauren, Ray Parlour and Ashley Cole joined in -- and the quartet later received hefty fines from the FA.
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Over the years, the clashes between club captains Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane became synonymous with the fixture. The standout confrontation, however, came in the tunnel at Highbury in 2005, with Keane accusing Vieira of picking on "weak link" Gary Neville.
Over the years, the clashes between club captains Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane became synonymous with the fixture. The standout confrontation, however, came in the tunnel at Highbury in 2005, with Keane accusing Vieira of picking on "weak link" Gary Neville.
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Few players can boast a more glittering career than Ryan Giggs. Despite an overflowing personal trophy cabinet, Giggs' defining career moment came in the 1999 FA Cup semifinal replay. The Welshman weaved his way through five Arsenal players and ripped a shot past David Seaman, before whipping his shirt off and whirling it over his head in celebration.
Few players can boast a more glittering career than Ryan Giggs. Despite an overflowing personal trophy cabinet, Giggs' defining career moment came in the 1999 FA Cup semifinal replay. The Welshman weaved his way through five Arsenal players and ripped a shot past David Seaman, before whipping his shirt off and whirling it over his head in celebration.
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