There has always been a great rivalry between these sides , but I never played at Old Trafford with any fear . I went there as a youngster in 1986 and won with Arsenal and during the Arsene Wenger years we had a team that could go and win anywhere . We were a physical team but we could play , and it was almost a compliment when United tried to match our physicality . Arsenal defender Martin Keown confront Ruud van Nistelrooy following his missed penalty in 2003 . Keown and his Arsenal team-mates taunted the Dutchman following his last-minute spot-kick miss . Keown 's confrontation with Van Nistelrooy was the final act in what is now known as the 'Battle of Old Trafford ' In 1999 , Ryan Giggs scored that classic FA Cup goal and it turned the season . Arsenal could have won the double but United went on to win the treble . Andy Cole made a run to drag me out of position , but sometimes you just have to admire moments of genius . The other game people love to remind me of is the ‘ Battle of Old Trafford ’ in 2003 . In the little black book of opposition players , Ruud van Nistelrooy was one not to be trusted . He was a top player and a fighter , but he would look for any reason to go down . Perhaps I overreacted , but the whole team was infuriated by him . And I ’ m still not convinced I deserved to give away the penalty that Ruud eventually missed ! Keown was part of a physical side that felt they could win anywhere under Arsene Wenger .
Ryan Giggs scored that classic FA Cup goal in 1999 which transformed Man Utd vs Arsenal season . Arsenal could have won the double but United went on to win the treble . The ‘ Battle of Old Trafford ’ in 2003 remains a vivid memory . READ : Manchester United vs Arsenal FA Cup classics . CLICK HERE for Manchester United 's team news and probable line ups .