The hugest rivals in soccer have always been Arsenal and Manchester United since time memorial. But have you ever wondered where it all began? How old are these team’s and what makes them unique? There’s a lot of questions you probably never ask because you are afraid of looking like a fool.
In this article though, today we focus on the memory lane of premier league giants, Arsenal and Man U.
When Did Manchester United Open?
The team started in 1878 and it was first called Newton Health Football Club, it first entered the English First Division, later the Highest League In English Football to start the 1892-1893 season.
Manchester United changed its name from Newton Health Football Club to current Manchester United in 1902 and later took their first English Football Cup in 1908. It moved to Old Trafford two years later after their title win 1910 which is still their current Stadium. Manchester United has so far operated for 144 years.
Also Read: Man U’s First Win In August 2022
When Did Arsenal FC First Operate?
The football club officially opened in 1886 and was first called Dial Square, on 11 December 1886 they got their first win against Eastern Wanderers and later attained a name “Royal Arsenal”. Arsenal has so far operated for 136years.
Arsenal had various fields in their early years in Plumstead area. Their first field was on Plumstead common , but later the second season they chose a nearby Sportsman ground on Plumstead Marshes, and it’s here Arsenal entered London Senior Cup for the first time in history.
Royal Arsenal also reformed to Woolwich until the relegation in 1913. They eventually moved to their new ground and the name Woolwich was dropped. The team officially rebranded to the current name Arsenal Fc.
How Many Times Has Arsenal Played Against Manchester United?
For the first time, they met in 13 October 1894 as Newton Health Fc vs Woolwich Arsenal. The game ended in a 3:3 draw in Football League Second Division.
Manchester United and Arsenal have all been in the same division since 1919,they have played against themselves 238 times so far with Manchester United winning most games with 99 wins, Arsenal having won 86 times and 53 draws with the largest win being in 28 August 2011 where Manchester United got a victory of 8-2 against Arsenal.
How did their rivalry begin?
The two club’s rivalry began way back in 1987. This was when David Rocastle was sent off because of a foul made against Arsenal’s Norman Whiteside. However, the rivalry became stronger when Arsen Wenger arrived in October 1996. Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson was already in charge of Manchester United. Eventually, the two teams played against each other on 16 November 1996. This is when Arsenal’s defender Nigel Winterburn scored an own goal. This bloody blander gave Manchester United victory to break Arsenal’s 10 matches unbeaten.