It has been 36 years since Manchester United played Arsenal in the first game of the season.
Renowned for being one of the biggest Premier League rivalries, Manchester United and Arsenal is the blockbuster in game week one.
Either United or Arsenal were league champions every year between 1996 and 2004, during an era that saw Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger go head-to-head.
There was an edge to the fixture, including the ‘Pizzagate’ scandal when United ended Arsenal’s long unbeaten run in 2004, and a food fight took place outside the dressing room.
Nowadays, there are fewer title-shaping moments in the fixture, but that could soon change with both teams hoping to improve this season.
Arsenal arrive at Old Trafford on Sunday with expectations to challenge for the title this season. Meanwhile, United are trying to get back into the Champions League after finishing 15th last season.
Mark Hughes taking on Norwich City
Photo by Mark Leech/Offside via Getty Images
Opening day of the 1989/90 season – Man Utd 4-1 Arsenal
Ferguson made a lot of changes to his squad ahead of the 1989/90 season.
United took on reigning champions Arsenal in the first game of the season, and Ferguson named just three players in his starting line-up from the previous season.
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The returnees included Brian McClair, Steve Bruce and Lee Sharpe.
In the second minute, Arsenal were left stunned as a United corner kick led to a headed goal from Bruce.
A penalty was awarded following a foul by Tony Adams, although McClair was unable to add to United’s lead.
Arsenal equalised after 22 minutes when David Rocastle found himself in the right place at the right time to head home from a dangerous corner kick.
United kicked on in the second half and took the lead for a second time after 63 minutes when Mark Hughes got his name on the scoresheet. New signing Neil Webb increased the lead before McClair made it 4-1.
It was the best start to the season United could have asked for but it was short-lived because Fergie’s side would fail to win in their next four league matches against Crystal Palace, Derby County, Norwich City and Everton.
Facts from Manchester United in 1989/90
United finished the 1989/90 season 13th in the First Division.
The highlight of the campaign came in the FA Cup as United were crowned champions. It was Ferguson’s first trophy as United manager, and some say he would have lost his job if he hadn’t beaten Palace in the final.
Hughes was the top scorer in the league with 13 goals, although the former United striker scored 15 goals across all competitions.
The highest home attendance came in the first game of the season against Arsenal when 47,245 packed into Old Trafford.