Manchester United vs Arsenal might have lost the marquee Premier League fixture status in recent years. Man United’s fall from grace have taken out much of the glamour, but it remans a heated clash between two long-time rivals. Here are three footballers who have represented both teams.
Manchester United vs Arsenal: Recent Players Who Played for Both Clubs
Robin van Persie
Robin van Persie arrived at Arsenal from Feyenoord in 2004, winning the Community Shield and FA Cup in his debut season. Over the next eight years, he cemented himself as one of the finest players ever to grace the Emirates, delivering countless crucial goals. However, his legacy took a major hit when he made the controversial switch to Manchester United.
The then-Arsenal captain’s 2012 move to Old Trafford stung deeply, and though he scored more league goals for Arsenal, his greatest triumph came in Manchester. He won the Premier League in 2013—his first and only league title—while Arsenal players were left to give him a painful guard of honour. It was a tough sight for Gunners fans to stomach.
Van Persie further tarnished his Arsenal legacy after celebrating a goal in a Manchester United vs Arsenal game. Today, he is a villain to most Gunners fans.
Alexis Sanchez
One could argue that Alexis Sanchez’s story mirrors that of Robin van Persie, but in a twist of irony, the Chilean international’s time at Old Trafford was far less successful than the Dutchman’s.
Sanchez is a name that needs little introduction for Arsenal fans, many of whom still hold him in high regard. Signed by Arsène Wenger in 2014 from Barcelona, the forward quickly became one of the club’s standout players in recent years.
During his time at Arsenal, he enjoyed the most fruitful period of his career, establishing himself as one of the best wingers in the world. He helped secure two FA Cup victories for the Gunners, leaving a lasting impact.
However, his time at Manchester United was far less successful. After joining the club in 2018, Sanchez failed to capture the same form, ultimately failing to add any major trophies to his name. After two seasons at Old Trafford, which included a loan spell, he found himself increasingly sidelined. It’s safe to say that his most memorable moment in Manchester wasn’t on the pitch, but rather when he performed a piano rendition for the fans.
Danny Welbeck
Danny Welbeck is one of the more endearing figures on this list. Both Manchester United and Arsenal fans likely share a mutual fondness for the forward, who always seemed to bring a sense of likability to the pitch—especially considering his knack for scoring against United while at Arsenal.
Welbeck spent six years at Manchester United, having risen through their youth ranks. His time in the first team was a successful one, including a Premier League title and two League Cup victories. In 2014, he made the move to Arsenal.
At Arsenal, Welbeck added two FA Cups to his trophy collection. He also had memorable moments, such as his dramatic return from injury to score that iconic header against Leicester City—one of those moments that made every Arsenal fan believe.
Overall, Welbeck was a solid striker who can look back on his career with pride and no regrets.
