'Arsenal's rivalry with United was the greatest in Premier League'

BeSoccer 7 years ago 1.4k
The two teams have enjoyed some fierce battles in the past. AFP

Phil Neville took the opportunity during half-time on 'BBC' to reminisce about the 'Red Devils' enthralling battles with Arsenal back in the day which made up the "greatest" rivalry in the Premier League.

It was during half-time of United's 2-1 victory over Tottenham in the FA Cup semi-final when footballer-turned-pundit Neville turned his attention to the past, the day after Arsene Wenger's shock announcement that he was stepping down as Arsenal manager. 

Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s, United and Arsenal enjoyed the most intense and fierce rivalries as both sides battled for the Premier League crown year-on-year, forcing Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson to go to every length to gain the upperhand.

Neville revealed all to the 'BBC' audience: "It was probably the greatest rivalry. I never forget, coming back from England, Sir Alex would ask us what the Arsenal players are up to, it’s the nutrition, the diet, the training methods, the style.

"It felt like war going into these games and at times it was because we had so much respect for them. We had immense respect for this Arsenal team and it’s because of the style. 

He concluded: "Honestly, it was fine line in those games. When you think of great Premier League rivalries, I think this is the greatest."

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Manchester United
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