Manchester United and Arsenal—two of English football’s most storied clubs—renew their rivalry on the opening weekend of the 2025/26 Premier League season in what is arguably the standout fixture of the round.
Beyond the points on offer, there’s history, pride, and pressure wrapped up in this clash, with both sides entering the new campaign needing to make a statement.
As anticipation builds for the latest chapter in this fierce rivalry, which Arsenal are the favourites to win in the Premier League odds, here’s a look back at some of the best and most memorable recent meetings between the Red Devils and the Gunners.
Arsenal 3-1 Manchester United (2023)
An early-season clash that had everything: goals, controversy, and drama deep into stoppage time. Marcus Rashford opened the scoring for United with a trademark breakaway goal, but Arsenal hit back instantly through Martin Ødegaard.
The match looked destined to end 1-1 until a breathless finale unfolded. Alejandro Garnacho thought he’d won it for United in the 88th minute, only for VAR to intervene and chalk the goal off for a marginal offside. Arsenal took full advantage, with Declan Rice netting in the 96th minute and Gabriel Jesus sealing the win in the 101st. A thrilling finish to a heavyweight contest.
Arsenal 3-2 Manchester United (2023)
Just eight months earlier, these two sides had served up another late drama at the Emirates. Rashford again gave United an early lead with a stunning solo effort, but Eddie Nketiah equalised shortly after. A second-half screamer from Bukayo Saka put Arsenal in front, only for Lisandro Martínez to level the score at 2-2 before the hour.
As both sides pushed for a winner, it was Nketiah who delivered again—his 90th-minute goal sparking scenes of jubilation and keeping Arsenal’s title hopes alive in one of the most entertaining matches of the 2022/23 season.
Manchester United 3-2 Arsenal (2021)
Another five-goal thriller, this time at Old Trafford, with Cristiano Ronaldo writing the headlines. Arsenal took the lead in bizarre fashion after Emile Smith Rowe scored with David de Gea down injured, but Bruno Fernandes levelled just before the break.
Ronaldo then marked his 800th career goal with a composed finish, only for Ødegaard to strike back moments later. But the Portuguese icon had the final word, saving those who backed Man United in the football odds, as he has done so many times, when converting a penalty to seal a 3-2 win and underline his return to the Premier League in dramatic style.
Manchester United 8-2 Arsenal (2011)
It may be stretching the definition of “recent,” but no list of memorable clashes between these two sides is complete without this unforgettable result. United were ruthless from start to finish, dismantling a youthful and out-of-sorts Arsenal team in one of the most lopsided matches in modern Premier League history.
Wayne Rooney bagged a hat-trick, Ashley Young scored two stunning long-range efforts, while Danny Welbeck, Nani, and Ji-Sung Park also got on the scoresheet. Even Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie’s goals for Arsenal couldn’t soften the blow. A truly historic humiliation and a scoreline that remains iconic to this day.
By Oliver Brown
