Five memorable moments from Man Utd and Arsenal crunch clashes
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Clashes between Arsenal and Manchester United rarely disappoint, with this heated Premier League fixture producing many memorable moments down the years throughout domestic league, cup and European ties.
Ahead of the latest top tier encounter between Arsene Wenger’s Gunners and Louis van Gaal’s Red Devils, Coral look at five of those classic moments, with both teams set to come head-to-head once again at the Emirates.
That Giggs goal 1999
When this famous fixture is talked about, that sensational solo strike from former Welsh wing wizard Ryan Giggs is always top of the list of major talking points.
Receiving the ball from a stray Patrick Vieira pass, Giggs danced past a helpless Arsenal defence before clinically firing into the top corner, then proceeding towards the United bench in jubilation with a now famous celebration. United are 14/5 to once again reign supreme in London this Sunday.
Ruud awakening 2004
During Ruud van Nistelrooy’s days at Old Trafford, the former sharpshooter was involved in many heated meetings with their arch-rivals Arsenal, and the Dutchman witnessed his most daunting opposition in the form of Martin Keown.
After being awarded a last-minute penalty to seal three points for United, the frontman stepped up confidently, but sent his spot-kick off the crossbar, leading feisty defender Keown and other Gunners rear guard members to confront a clearly intimidated Van Nistelrooy.
FA Cup shoot-out 2005
After a thrilling 2005 FA Cup final between the two most successful clubs in the competition’s history, the two sides took to a penalty shoot-out to decide their fate.
On this occasion it was Arsenal that prevailed after Vieira’s decisive spot-kick, with Paul Scholes having missed for the Red Devils, though a then-youthful Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo were on target before their careers took off. United are 7/1 to lift the FA Cup for the first time in over a decade this season.
Wenger in the stands 2009
After seeing a Robin van Persie (during his Arsenal days) goal contentiously ruled-out, Wenger reacted by lashing his boot at a defenceless bottle and was immediately sent to the stands by Old Trafford officials.
The Frenchman then produced a moment of pure entertainment by bizarrely climbing onto the bench beside United fans, rather than leaving the pitch, before having to eventually depart proceedings.
Guard of honour 2013
After sealing a shock switch from north London to Manchester in 2012, deadly Dutch striker van Persie blasted the Red Devils to the Premier League title, before making a hostile return to his old stomping ground.
The Netherlands’ all-time leading scorer walked out with his United teammates after clinching the league crown and was met by a guard of honour from many familiar faces, much to the Emirates crowd’s disgust.
