The rivalry between Arsenal and Manchester United is one of the most iconic in English football history, marked by fierce competition and unforgettable clashes. As of January 23, 2026, the two clubs have met 245 times in all competitions. Manchester United holds a slight historical advantage with 99 wins to Arsenal's 91, and 55 matches ending in a draw.
The first competitive match between Arsenal and Manchester United occurred in October 1894. The rivalry truly intensified in the late 1990s and early 2000s, fueled by Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsène Wenger, who transformed their clubs into Premier League title contenders. This era was defined by intense battles on and off the pitch, epitomized by figures like Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane.
Fixtures between the two were often marred by on-field clashes, with seven red cards issued between February 1997 and February 2005. Notable incidents include the "Battle of Old Trafford" in 2003 and the "Pizzagate" incident in 2004. The Gunners and Red Devils shared nine successive Premier League titles and six FA Cups between the mid-1990s and mid-2000s.
In recent years, Arsenal has gained the upper hand. Since 2021, Arsenal has won eight of the twelve matches, losing only twice. Arsenal's recent dominance includes a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford in August 2025. Arsenal has also maintained a strong home record, remaining unbeaten in the league at the Emirates Stadium since 2017.
Despite Arsenal's recent form, Manchester United still holds the edge in overall victories. The Red Devils have won 102 matches compared to Arsenal's 90. Wayne Rooney holds the record for the most goals in the fixture with 12, while Ryan Giggs has the most appearances with 50.
The rivalry has seen periods of diminished importance, particularly in the 2010s, due to the rise of other strong clubs like Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester City. However, the Arsenal vs. Manchester United fixture remains a highly anticipated event on the Premier League calendar.
Looking back, some memorable Arsenal victories at home include the 3-1 win in May 1991, which extended their First Division title celebrations, and the 3-2 thriller in November 1997. More recently, Eddie Nketiah's late winner secured a 3-2 victory in January 2023. These classic encounters highlight the enduring intensity and drama that define the Arsenal-Manchester United rivalry.
While Arsenal has shown dominance in recent encounters, Manchester United's historical advantage in overall wins and key figures like Rooney and Giggs solidifies their edge in the all-time matchup.
