The rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United intensified significantly in the late 1990s and early 2000s, as both clubs regularly competed for the Premier League title and FA Cup. This era featured intense managerial battles between Arsène Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, alongside fierce on-pitch confrontations involving players such as Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane. Seven red cards were shown in matches between February 1997 and February 2005, highlighting the fixture's intensity.
The two clubs have contested 245 competitive matches since their first meeting in October 1894. Manchester United hold a narrow advantage with 99 wins, compared to Arsenal's 91 victories, with 55 matches ending in a draw. Between them, the clubs have secured 16 Premier League trophies, with United winning 13 and Arsenal claiming three. The rivalry's prominence has cooled in recent years due to the rise of other top clubs. However, Arsenal have recently dominated Premier League encounters, winning five and drawing one of their last six league meetings as of January 2026.
