Arsenal play Manchester United in their FA Cup opener in January. (GETTY, peperoni7_)
Arsenal play Manchester United in their FA Cup opener in January. (GETTY, peperoni7_)
Fans reacted as Arsenal drew Manchester United in their FA Cup opener on January 11. Both teams have byes to the third round, with the Gunners exiting the competition at this round last season, losing 2-0 at home to Liverpool, while United went all the way.
Mikel Arteta's side have once again drawn a Premier League side, with United being the defending champions. The Red Devils had upset then holders Manchester City 2-1 in the final.
Coming to the Gunners, they are the most successful side in FA Cup history - with 14 titles - but their latest triumph came in 2020. Since then, they haven't gone past the fourth round in four attempts, stumbling in the third round twice.
Trending
Fans foresee an early exit for United, though, in their FA Cup opener, considering their struggles this season. Others, though, predicted the Gunners to out early.
One fan said:
"United aint going past the third round this year"
An United fan retorted:
"We are going to be key to another trophyless season for them"
Meanwhile, one fan tweeted, albeit sarcastically:
"You've robbed us a good final in Arsenal vs Manutd"
Another posted:
"Defending champion will face early exit. Sorry United."
United have fared decently in the FA Cup over the years, not losing in the third round since the 2013-14 season, losing 2-1 at home to Swansea City.
What happened when Arsenal last faced Manchester United in the FA Cup?
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta
Arsenal won't have happy memories of their last FA Cup meeting with holders Manchester United, losing 3-1 at home five years ago. The fourth-round tie saw United's Alexis Sanchez score against his former club to break the deadlock.
Jesse Lingard added a second two minutes later at the Emirates before Pierre Emerick Aubameyang pulled one back in the 43rd minute for the Gunners heading into half-time.
Anthony Martial scored United's third eight mintues from time as the Gunners suffered a resounding defeat. The Gunners, though, would go on to win the competition later, becoming the first 14-time FA Cup winner.
Fast forward four years, Mikel Arteta's side are flying in second place in the Premer League after 13 games, while Manchester United are way behind in ninth, six points adrift.