Manchester United F.C. 8–2 Arsenal F.C.
football match
The first fixture between Manchester United and Arsenal in the 2011–12 Premier League season was played on 28 August 2011 at Old Trafford in Manchester. Manchester United won the match 8–2, making it Arsenal's heaviest league defeat since 1927, 84 years earlier, when they lost 7–0 to West Ham United in the old Football League First Division. It was also the first time they had conceded eight goals in a game since 1896, when they lost 8–0 to the now defunct Loughborough in the old Second Division.
Background
Fixtures between Manchester United and Arsenal had seen a number of controversial incidents in prior seasons. The rivalry between the two clubs grew more intense since the formation of the Premier League in 1992.
Before the game, United manager Alex Ferguson took a shot at Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger's record in recent years, saying he would "not have allowed" such a barren run without trophies, but sympathised with him regarding the recent sales of Cesc Fàbregas and Samir Nasri, citing his experience with the sale of Cristiano Ronaldo, and claiming he was irreplaceable for Arsenal.
Manchester United had started the defence of their title by winning the opening two matches, while Arsenal were looking for their first win of the league season, having drawn the opening match against Newcastle United, before losing to Liverpool on 20 August 2011.
Match
Team selection
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson picked the same starting XI to play against Arsenal as had beaten Tottenham Hotspur six days earlier, a side that had only seen three changes from their opening-day win at West Bromwich Albion. Centre-back Rio Ferdinand missed the match against Tottenham with a hamstring injury, but had returned to training ahead of the Arsenal game; however, he was only deemed fit enough for a place on the bench against Arsenal, and with defensive partner Nemanja Vidić also out with a calf problem, Jonny Evans and summer signing Phil Jones continued at the back. Right-back Rafael was a long-term injury concern with a dislocated shoulder, so Chris Smalling continued in his place, while Patrice Evra captained the side from left-back and David de Gea played in goal for the fourth game in a row after signing from Atlético Madrid in the summer.
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