THIS IS WAR

Old rivals resume hostilities 20 years after infamous battle

- John Cross

IT WAS the day that brought a simmering rivalry to the boil.

The infamous Battle of Old Trafford took place 20 years ago this month and still defines every showdown between two of English football's great clubs.

Arsenal and Manchester United had been jostling and pushing each other ever since Arsene Wenger arrived in the Premier League in 1996, threatening Sir Alex stranglehold on the Ferguson's major trophies.

Yes, there had been fierce rows between the two clubs.

Even back to the George Graham days and the infamous 21-man brawl at Old Trafford in 1990. Ian Wright's ugly clash with Peter Schmeichel in February 1997. Roy Keane's long-running feud with Patrick Vieira, right.

Then there was the war of words between Fergie and Wenger.

Either United or Arsenal landed the title for almost a decade from 1996 until Chelsea won it in 2005.