MANCHESTER UNITED play host to Arsenal on Saturday lunchtime in an encounter rich in history.
From an explosive meeting at Highbury in 1990, it became the most anticipated clash in the domestic calendar.
As the two sides dominated the Premier League — with nine straight titles shared between them — players found themselves at each other’s throats on and off the pitch.
Their long-serving managers, Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger, also clashed on more than one occasion — not least at the 2004 ‘Battle of the Buffet’.
Here SunSport picks out the top five classic encounters for their drama and controversy.
October 20, 1990
Man Utd 0 Arsenal 1
MARC OVERMARS scored the only goal before a 21-man brawl.
It was triggered by Nigel Winterburn’s lunge on Denis Irwin. Both Brian McClair and Irwin kicked Winterburn in retaliation while he was on the floor.
The FA deducted United one point and Arsenal two for the incident.
Winterburn said: “I remember being on the ground and getting a few kicks in the back — and then pretty much everyone piled in.”
April 14, 1999
Arsenal 1 Man Utd 2
DENNIS BERGKAMP cancelled out David Beckham’s opener in the last-ever FA Cup semi-final replay — but then missed a penalty against ten-man United.
In extra-time, Ryan Giggs ended a 60-yard run by lashing the ball into the roof of the net.
Sir Alex Ferguson said: “If ever a tie could be described as epic, it was this. Ryan Giggs’ goal was not just special, it was historic.”
September 21, 2003
Man Utd 0 Arsenal 0
PATRICK VIEIRA was sent off for kicking out at Ruud van Nistelrooy in the ‘Battle of Old Trafford’ — although there had been no contact.
So when the Dutchman missed a late penalty, Martin Keown leapt in celebration and caught him with his arm.
A melee ensued and Keown said: “We could have paid for a new roof at the FA for the amount we paid in fines.”
October 24, 2004
Man Utd 2 Arsenal 0
THIS was the ‘Battle of the Buffet’.
Ferguson clashed with Wenger, then was hit by a flying slab of pizza.
Ashley Cole said: “It hit him straight in the mush. The slap echoed down the tunnel and all eyes turned to see this pizza slip off that famous, puce face.”
February 01, 2005
Arsenal 2 Man Utd 4
IT WAS a classic on the pitch — but this will be remembered for what happened before the match.
Roy Keane was enraged that Patrick Vieira had tried to intimidate Gary Neville in the tunnel and said: “Come and have a go at me.”
The two warriors came to symbolise these clashes, with Keane adding: “He drove me to become better.”
Vieira admitted to a mutual respect.
... And who can forget LVG's dive last February?!
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